While recycling figures rise and South Africans gain a general understanding of the benefits of recycling, Mpact Recycling managing director, John Hunt, says people may not realise just how much good they are doing.

According to the Paper Recycling Association of South Africa (PRASA), the annual paper recovery rate has increased by 2% year-on-year since 2012 and is currently at 68.4%. PET Recycling Company (PETCO) reports that plastic bottle recycled tonnage has grown by 822% since 2005%.

A growing awareness of recycling  

These figures point to a growing awareness of recycling, but more importantly they show that South Africans are taking action and making a concerted effort to do the right thing.

“The environmental impact of recycling is enormous,” says Hunt. “Every item that is recycled is one less item going to the country’s strained landfill sites. Less waste to landfill means a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately less of a negative impact on the environment.”

In addition Hunt notes that recycling also helps to address some of the country’s social ills such as unemployment and poverty.

Recycling the tip of the “waste-berg”

As much as increased recycling is a good thing Hunt says it’s important for South Africans to understand that these efforts only address the tip of the ‘waste-berg’.

The Department of Environmental Affairs reports that less than 20% of waste is recycled annually, meaning most of the country’s recyclable materials continues to go to landfill.

To address the issue Hunt believes technology can play a critical role in increasing the amount and type of materials that can be recycled.

“The more South Africa invests in technology for recycling, the less waste there will be to go to landfill which is why public-private partnerships are necessary to boost recycling activities in South Africa and ensure we find sustainable solutions to reducing waste, create jobs and protecting our beautiful country,” he concludes.