The recycling industry is traditionally perceived as a male-dominated one, but in reality, many remarkable women and women-run businesses are making waves in it.

Recently, three such South African women, who have found innovative ways to turn recyclables into viable businesses and improve the lives of those living in their communities, were celebrated in the annual PETCO Awards.

These inspiring women were recognised for reflecting the principles of sustainability, the circular economy, SMME development and the advancement of women in the value chain, as well as for creating formal and informal jobs in the communities in which they operate.

They, along with six other winners of the awards, have been celebrated in a new online documentary series, “Message in a Bottle”, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the operations and efforts made by these women, which many people don’t have the opportunity to see. It also highlights the invaluable contribution that these local heroes are making in bettering their communities and the environment.

Meet the women

Lisa Steenkamp is the CEO of Westworld Recycling and has been part of the circular economy for 26 years. Her operation is based in Roodepoort, Johannesburg where she employs 40 staff members on site.

The centre buys various recyclables such as PET bottles, other plastic bottles, cans, cardboard and paper, with all recyclables sorted, graded and baled onsite and collectors being offered competitive prices. Steenkamp says her focus is to keep South Africa clean and create jobs in the process. She proudly says “Through my business, I am able to turn trash into treasure.

“As a business owner in an industry where you have to get your hands dirty, she is pragmatic and opens up to us: “recycling is a very dirty job but is very interesting. We learn a lot about each other, and we learn how to recycle. We keep our operation neat and organised, practicing good housekeeping,” she continues. “My advice to other women in recycling is to believe in yourself. If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Another woman who is making a positive impact on the recycling industry is Avashnee Chetty, the Sustainability Manager of Safripol. Safripol isthe second largest polymer producer in Sub-Saharan Africa. Safripol has been recognised for the impact its sustainability projects have had in advancing waste collection and recycling in our country.

Partnership initiatives run by Safripol have collected 2.7 tonnes of waste through the implementation of the Litterboom expansion project and Materials Recovery Facility. While the business has collected 3.4 tonnes of ocean-bound waste along the lower uMngeni River catchment area in KwaZulu-Natal and also rolled out a bulk bag sponsorship worth R380 000 for waste collection to PETCO.

“There are various beneficiaries of Safripol projects that are involved in our waste collection and recycling initiatives,” says Chetty. “We hope to grow our network further and clean up as many communities as we possibly can, ultimately to put an end to plastic waste going into landfills.”

“There is no planet B, the one we have is the one we’re stuck with,” she says. “No matter who you are, where you are, where you come from, each of us has a responsibility and can make a difference and we can make an impact.”

An innovative project that celebrates women in waste is Masekhethele. This is a joint venture between the Siyavuma Foundation and Thinavhuuo Recycling. The programme and its partners employ 66 full-time employees and there are a staggering 150 637 people in eight different communities who benefit from the various programme activities. In 2021, a total of 2 156 tonnes of recyclables were collected.

The project empowers and supports women waste pickers who source recyclables that are then transformed into high-quality products by women sewers, sewing groups and entrepreneurs. Over and above the income earned through sourcing recyclables, 10% of all profits go directly to 350 waste reclaimers. All this, thanks to separated PET bottles. 

“Our programme also offers technical and business training, facilitates employment opportunities, and runs a range of sustainability programmes,” says Judy Henshall, co-founder of the Masekhethele Project. “This is planned to include the development of self-sustaining food gardens so that vulnerable families are able to put food on their tables.”

“The champions are those who are punting the streets of the country, collecting the recyclables,” she continues. “The government always talks about the spirit of free enterprise. That is that woman, she gets up every day with a desire to go and collect that gold on the streets. And that to me is so special.”

The inspiring stories of these remarkable women, and more, can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKYPzMp5FaeSgH5qd0LT5YYCQPvGB39AD