Polyco, in partnership with Massmart, is proud to announce a joint sponsorship aimed at empowering waste reclaimers with vital Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and hygiene packs valued over R500 000.
We applaud Massmart for acknowledging the efforts of waste reclaimers and providing crucial PPE and hygiene pack sponsorships, demonstrating their commitment to uplifting this essential workforce. Each pack includes premium protective gear such as a safety suit, safety boots, socks, gloves, a hard hat, a safety vest, masks, earplugs, and a bag. The packs also include essential toiletries and hygiene products. Through this initiative, we hope to give waste reclaimers the necessary tools to do their work safely and with dignity. We also commend the waste reclaimer organisations’ efforts and dedication in coordinating and ensuring this essential gear reaches the reclaimers. The following waste reclaimer organisations are distributing the packs:- African Reclaimers Organisation: 100 PPE and hygiene packs.
- South African Waste Pickers Association: 100 PPE and hygiene packs.
- SA We Can Do It: 50 PPE and hygiene packs.
“Partnerships like the one we have with Massmart are vital for creating real, positive impacts in the lives of these reclaimers. By supporting waste reclaimers with essential resources, we are collectively making a tangible difference in their lives and enhancing their ability to contribute to a waste-free South Africa,” said Patricia Pillay, CEO of Polyco.Commenting on Massmart’s involvement in this initiative, Viratha Hariram, Massmart’s Senior Environmental Sustainability Manager added “South Africa’s waste reclaimers have a tough, and often thankless role of collecting waste materials out of our environment for recycling. The great work that these waste reclaimers and Polyco do aligns with our intention to be an environmentally regenerative company that supports a circular economy and we hope that our donation will make their work easier, safer and allow them to operate with dignity.”

Polyco is also providing its funded recycling partners with toilets made from hard-to-recycle plastics, giving waste reclaimers access to clean and safe facilities, thus, improving their quality of life whilst diverting difficult-to-recycle materials from landfills.
The recipients of the ablution toilets that will be installed this year include:- MKG Solutions
- KG & Jeanny
- Trash Convertors
- Indalo Yami
- Mmula Group
- Soulbent Project
- TVK Recyclers Trading Enterprise
- I-Waste Recycling
- Neo Recycling
- Serious Buyers
- BKR Extreme Recyclers.
“Through providing trolleys and sanitation facilities, we are not just offering tools—we are empowering individuals who play a critical role in our country’s recycling efforts. These investments are vital in creating a more inclusive and supportive working environment, ensuring that reclaimers can continue their work safely and with dignity,” added Pillay.These initiatives are in addition to Polyco’s Packa-Ching programme, which has established over 30 buy-back centres nationwide, where reclaimers are paid for the recyclable materials they collect, thereby creating sustainable income opportunities for reclaimers whilst boosting local recycling efforts. To date, our Packa-Ching programme has paid out R20 million and collected 20 million kilogrammes of plastic waste. Polyco remains committed to collaborating with all stakeholders to enhance local recycling initiatives to ensure more communities and waste reclaimers benefit from accessible recycling facilities and services.