In recognition of National Disability Rights Awareness Month, which runs from the 3^rd of November to the 3^rd of December, Polyco is proud to announce its partnership with JOB-ABLED (NPC) and Myplas (PTY Ltd) to establish a new recycling plant at the Alta du Toit School in Kuilsriver, Cape Town. The school caters to learners with intellectual disabilities, teaching them life skills that assist them in integrating successfully into society. Through the establishment of the recycling plant,  learners will be provided with sustainable job opportunities while contributing to diverting plastic waste from landfills.

The plant will be managed by JOB-ABLED and will initially employ a manager and four employees. Four school leavers from Alta du Toit will receive job-shadowing opportunities to gain future full-time employment at the plant. Learners will be able to drop off their plastic waste at the facility so it can be recycled. Additionally, the plant will serve as a hands-on learning resource for learners and staff, integrating recycling education into the curriculum. Parents of learners will be encouraged to contribute recyclable materials, fostering a community culture of environmental responsibility.

Polyco’s contribution includes the provision of essential equipment for the collection of recyclables and the facilitation of training of staff working at the plant. Through these types of collaborations with organisations like JOB-ABLED, Polyco aims not only to tackle the eradication of plastic waste in the country, but also to create opportunities for social impact, empowering individuals and communities. It hopes that the recycling plant at the Alta Du Toit School will become a blueprint for future projects aimed at creating inclusive job opportunities in the recycling sector.

JOB-ABLED, powered by JOBJACK, has developed a unique online platform that connects people with disabilities to job opportunities across the country. By managing the recycling plant for the first five years, JOB-ABLED aims to ensure that the business is set up for long-term success, with a focus on training, development, and employment for individuals with disabilities.

While JOB-ABLED will oversee the plant’s day-to-day operations, Myplas will provide essential training to employees on sorting, baling, and recycling processes. This training aims to equip participants with skills that not only enhance their current roles but also prepare them for future career growth within the recycling industry. Myplas will ensure all participants gain a deep understanding of plastic materials and recycling techniques, with a focus on personal development, empowering employees to be valuable contributors in any workplace within the sector.

>Patricia Pillay, CEO of Polyco said, “This project forms part of our broader vision to create job opportunities within communities where work is scarce, particularly for young people and people with disabilities. We see this collaboration as a scalable solution that not only empowers communities but also contributes to the creation of a circular recycling economy and improved  environmental sustainability in the country.”

Marius Erasmus, Principal of Alta du Toit School and Director of JOB-ABLED said, “Every can, bottle, and piece of plastic recycled represents an opportunity for people with disabilities to gain skills, confidence, and economic independence.”

Adding to the sentiment, Walter Jordaan, Director of  Myplas encouraged action, saying, “Put your passion into action, don’t tell me, show me.”

“Polyco’s collaboration with JOB-ABLED and Myplas exemplifies the power of public-private partnerships to drive meaningful social change. By combining Polyco’s expertise in community recycling projects, Myplas’ leadership in plastic waste management, and JOB-ABLED’s focus on disability empowerment, we can create benefits for both the environment and marginalised communities,” Pillay concluded.