There’s more to recycling than separate, drop and go!

Sustainability – the industry buzz word that’s on everyone’s lips. From small companies to large corporates, it seems that everyone is jumping on the green bandwagon. In spite of the numerous ways that sustainability can be adopted, from basic energy and water conservation through to complex green building designs, none is more popular than recycling initiatives. But while businesses and industries have and continue to, establish effective recycling programmes, the everyday consumer in South Africa still battles with the concept. This is mainly due to the fact that recycling at household level in South Africa can prove to be quite a daunting task as the infrastructure for collecting recyclable material isn’t quite where it should be. Although municipalities are geared to implement domestic separation at source kerbside collections, until this is properly enforced, households are left to separate their rubbish and take the recyclables to a municipal drop-off or buy-back centre. Despite the setbacks, this hasn’t deterred industry role players who continue to embark on recycling campaigns, which aim to educate and create awareness among consumers and the youth. But recycling doesn’t just include solid waste. What about the proper disposal and recycling of e-waste? And what of hazardous substances such as used oil? Candice Landie facilitates this panel discussion which looks at the initiatives and projects that role players are involved in at both consumer and industry level, including the outcomes of these campaigns. The discussion also highlights how Extended Producer Regulation can affect manufacturers of recycled products and packaging.