Bisant Matsi has built his small efforts to recycle boxes and paper into a successful business over the past 18 years. This has inspired his local community in Burgersfort, Mpumalanga, by showing them the value that exists in waste.

Burgersfort Waste Management was started with only seven employees. Two years later, he started collecting cans and working closely with Collect-a-Can.

This South African recovery and recycling organisation works within various communities, encouraging citizens from all walks of life to assist in their can-collecting efforts. “We teach informal collectors that they can make a living or even start their own ventures by recycling cans,” says Zimasa Velaphi, public relations and marketing manager.

Matsi’s business grew into a recycling operation that collects all sorts of recycling material, including paper, glass, steel, plastic and aluminium. The company currently provides employment for 36 people.

The sky is the limit for Matsi with his high aspirational dreams for Burgersfort Waste Management. “In the next five years, I would like to support an employment team of 100 people with my recycling operation, while also encouraging organisations to set up their own recycling stations where we will collect their waste to be recycled,” he shares. The local municipality and mining companies in the area already supports Matsi’s recycling operation.

Since aluminium cans were introduced into the South African market last year, Matsi experienced significant changes in the Burgersfort community: “People are now realising that aluminium is currently the highest paid recycling commodity. There are no more cans lying around in the area as all the children and women in the town collects aluminium cans to be recycled.”

Matsi’s recycling operation makes a significant difference in the Burgersfort community: “It is amazing to see how clean the environment is since we have started with the recycling operation. The people are realising the importance of a clean and beautiful environment and that recycling waste can serve as an income stream for them.”

Matsi would like to challenge all South Africans, especially the unemployed, to start recycling their waste. “People should open their eyes and see that recyclable waste can be a valuable income resource, while recycling also protects our beautiful environment,” concludes Matsi.”