Polyco PRO NPC and uMngeni Local Municipality have officially launched a partnership aimed at strengthening recycling and waste management in Mpophomeni through community clean-ups, school recycling initiatives, improved collection infrastructure and the opening of a new buy back centre.
The partnership, officially launched on Thursday, 17 September as South Africa marked Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week from 14 to 20 September 2026, brings together recycling infrastructure, environmental education, separation at source and support for waste reclaimers as part of an integrated approach to recycling at community level. It follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Polyco and uMngeni Local Municipality in May 2025, in line with South Africa’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Regulations. At the centre of the partnership is the new Mpophomeni Buy-Back Centre, providing a local point for recyclable materials to be collected and sold while creating greater opportunities for waste reclaimers to participate in the formal waste management system.
Polyco is supporting the centre with infrastructure, personal protective equipment (PPE), bulk bags, care packs and trolleys, while uMngeni Local Municipality has provided the site, fencing, ablution and electrical connections, and security. Central Waste has been selected as the service provider to support the management of recyclable materials collected through the initiative.
The official launch capped a two-day programme in Mpophomeni that demonstrated the partnership’s broader approach to recycling and waste management.
On Wednesday, 16 September – National River Clean-Up Day – stakeholders and community members cleared an illegal dumping hotspot near Zamuthule Primary School, with recyclable material recovered for recycling. The cleared area is intended to be repurposed as a school vegetable garden.
This was followed by the launch of uMngeni Local Municipality’s Schools Waste Separation at Source Programme at Zamuthule Primary School. The initiative recognised Zamuthule, Qhamukile and Isibongo Primary Schools for their environmental management efforts, while providing learners with practical recycling education and schools with resources to support separation at source. Polyco also handed over upcycled PVC backpacks as part of its recycling awareness activities.
“Our partnership with uMngeni Local Municipality demonstrates what can be achieved when industry, local government, communities, schools, and recycling partners work together. Through this partnership, we aim to strengthen the local recycling economy by making recycling more accessible through the introduction of various collection infrastructure and tools, coupled with effective awareness initiatives and opportunities that enable communities to participate meaningfully in the circular economy,” said Kabelo Phakoe, Polyco Project Coordinator.
“This partnership represents an important step towards strengthening waste management within uMngeni and encouraging greater community participation in recycling. By combining infrastructure with education and community involvement, we can work towards cleaner neighbourhoods while supporting local economic opportunities,” said Sandile Makhaye, Director for Community Services and Public Safety at uMngeni Local Municipality.
The initiative is supported by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), uMgungundlovu District Municipality, as well as private-sector and community partners including iBala and Soulfood.
