COMMUNITY RECYCLING INITIATIVE

COMMUNITY RECYCLING INITIATIVE

Polyco’s Packa-Ching, a community recycling initiative, has helped communities in low income areas to earn money in return for collecting used, recyclable packaging materials such as plastic, glass, cans and paper. These materials are weighed on site at the Packa-Ching unit and collectors are paid immediately. The initiative was founded with the goal of ending plastic waste in the environment, diverting recyclables from landfill and growing the recycling economy in South Africa.

The mobile recycling units consist of a truck and trailer, are in operation across the country and are run by local waste management businesses. To date there are 15 mobile units throughout the country, servicing more than 80 communities.

The idea behind Packa-Ching is to tap into a new market of recyclable material by offering an incentivised buy-back model for residents living in informal communities. By offering a monetary voucher in exchange for recyclables, Packa-Ching facilitates a change in behaviour and a shift in perception towards plastic waste. The initiative uplifts communities and helps clean up the environment.

Shoprite and Sasol as the main sponsors have been instrumental in the roll-out of Packa-Ching.

www.packaching.co.

www.polyco.co.za