Recycling on the move

A big part of our modern deluge of problems is the fact that there simply is no space left for waste. That is what is so great about recycling, especially when it comes to a packaging option as cost-effective and environmentally friendly as PET plastic.

PETCO has sponsored Remade recycling 10 x 28m³ bins to further increase the collection of PET. The handover of the branded bins took place on the 11th March in Alberton. “We are always looking for ways to increase the collection of clean PET for recycling and are delighted to be supporting Remade in their efforts” said Belinda Booker, PETCO.

Remade, an associate member of PETCO, currently collects recyclables in Gauteng, Nelspruit, Hazyview and the Southern Cape Region. “We aim to continuously grow the volume of all recyclable material and keep the environment clean while creating income opportunities” said Director of Remade, Bryce Blum. For more information visit www.remade.co.za.

PETCO also supports projects with a strong focus on public and consumer-based education and awareness programmes and these initiatives and activities contribute to the visible recycling of PET. Many of these programmes, such as beach clean-ups, trade shows, bailing equipment, bulk bag collection and training are initiated together with support from Plastics SA. Workshops for members, on topics such as designing PET bottles and containers with recycling in mind to reduce contamination, are hosted around South Africa.

Integrated Waste Management a winner

Johannesburg Executive Mayor Parks Tau delivered his first State of the City Address (SOCA) at the Metro Centre, Braamfontein recently. PETCO was invited to present information on the recycling of PET plastic bottles in SA.

Mayor Tau gave an indication of the city’s continued commitment to the well-being of residents. Some of the new projects which were highlighted included Integrated Waste Management.

“We are convinced that if we mobilise communities to sort waste at a household level, this will go a long way in waste reduction and the creation of a clean city” said Parks Tau, Executive Mayor of Johannesburg.

The PETCO exhibition aimed to educate MECs, members of the provincial legislature, leaders of political parties as well as fellow councillors and citizens about how discarded PET bottles are collected, baled and delivered to the PET recycling plant, where they are colour sorted, washed, granulated into flakes, extruded and cut into recycled PET (rPET) pellets. The pellets are supplied to end-users for production into a number of items we encounter every day: fibre for polyester carpet; fabric for T-shirts and most importantly back into new PET containers for both food and non-food products.

Bringing it home to the mother city

Recently the City of Cape Town (CoCT) hosted a Recycling Awareness Programme for Waste to Art participants in the City, PETCO was invited to give and update on PET plastic recycling.

Lynn Du Plessis from PETCO took participants through the PET recycling process and showed them the various end-use products made from recycled PET in South Africa namely: polyester fibre, roof insulation, geotextiles and most importantly PET packagings which contain a percentage of recycled content.

“Recycling is slowing becoming a large part of the activity in our local communities” said Jameyah Armien from CoCT. “The awareness is evident when one looks at the amazing art made from recyclables such as flower pots, candle holders, decorative mirrors and many more” she added.