It may seem that thousands of little plastic bread tags and a wheelchair have nothing in common, however the “Bread tags for Wheelchairs” project has entered its ninth successful year.

As part of the upcoming National Disability Rights Awareness month (3 November to 3 December), people are being encouraged to collect bread tags which can be exchanged for a wheelchair for people with mobility impairments who are financially unable to afford one.

“Bread tags for Wheelchairs” in numbers

The initiative is being run by the Polystyrene Packaging Council (PSPC) and according to PSPC’s director, Adri Spangenberg:

• Each year, almost 300 wheelchairs are handed to people in need.
• Almost 11,000 coordinators around South Africa assist with the bread tag collection.
• Since the project began, 3,000 wheelchairs have been distributed to people in need.
• The project recently expanded internationally to two countries, Japan and Australia.

“The network of volunteers is made up of teachers, learners, churches and individuals who all diligently collect bread tags in order to make a big difference in the lives of the less fortunate,” Adri said.

How to get a wheelchair

For those interested in getting involved in the project or are in need of a wheelchair:

1. Email the Polystyrene Packaging Council: natalie@polystyrenepackaging.co.za
2. A buyer within the network will then buy the bread tags for R8.00 per kilogram and recycle the tags.
3. The buyer will thereafter transfer the required amount to a wheelchair supplier in your area.

It is important to ensure that the correct wheelchair is purchased when seating quadriplegics, Adri said, therefore the QuadPara Association of South Africa is on board to assess the requirements of wheelchair recipients.  Specialist wheelchair supplier CE Mobility also assists by servicing wheelchairs to ensure they stay in a good condition.

Recycling bread tags

The bread tags are made of high impact polystyrene and have a high recycling value. They are recycled into seedling trays, cornices, skirtings, outdoor furniture, coat hangers, poles and decking, the company said.

“Apart from the knowledge that we are addressing a big need in our communities, we also don’t want to see these bread tags end up in our country’s landfills as they have a good recycling market value,” Adri said.

“It is important for us to raise awareness that polystyrene is successfully being recycled in South Africa and to create new markets for this recycled product, while at the same time, changing somebody’s life with one small act of kindness,” he added.