041online

As National Recycling Day approaches (September 20), this is a great time to learn more about how to recycle effectively. We’ve attached helpful recycling resources specific to Nelson Mandela Bay to make it easier for you to start or improve your recycling efforts.

In a world that seems to be drowning in waste, one of the best things we can do is instil a culture of separation-at-source and recycling.

Separation-at-source is a simple practice of sorting our waste in our home, schools, or businesses before it gets collected and recycled. Instead of throwing everything into one bin, you should separate items into different categories, such as:

• Recyclables (paper, plastic, glass, metal, e-waste)
• Organic waste (food scraps, garden waste) if you have a composting system
• Non-recyclable waste (things that can’t be reused or recycled, like certain plastics or dirty packaging)

“There are approximately 18.5 million households in South Africa. Imagine the difference that we could make if every home separated rubbish from recyclables. Every small action adds up,” says Samantha Choles, communication manager at the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA), the industry body that oversees the pulp and paper manufacturing sector, as well as the interests of paper recycling mills. 

According the latest paper recycling statistics gathered by PAMSA, around 1.3 million tonnes of paper and paper packaging were collected from a pool of 1.8 million tonnes that is deemed recoverable for recycling. This includes printing paper and various forms of paper packaging, but excludes items such as toilet and tissue paper, and packaging that is exported.

“To borrow from Mahatma Gandhi’s words, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world,’ the reduction of humanity’s impact on this planet comes down to the power of one,” adds Choles, noting that each and every person can play a vital role in reducing the impact of waste in our communities and country.

Here are some tips from PAMSA on how homes, schools and businesses can enhance their paper recycling habits:

KNOW YOUR RECYCLABLES

Educate yourself on which paper items can be recycled.
YES:

• Office/copy paper
• Brown cardboard boxes
• Pizza boxes, cereal boxes
• Egg boxes, magazines, and newspaper
• Used beverage cartons like milk or juice boxes*

NO:

• Tissue and toilet paper
• Nappies and feminine hygiene products
• Very dirty paper or waxed paper

You can also find information here.

CREATE SPACE FOR RECYCLING

Use a sturdy container to store recyclables separately. Keep it indoors or outside with a cover, and consider having smaller bins in different areas of the home.

SUPPORT RECYCLING COLLECTORS

Leave your recyclables for informal collectors or take them to local collection points, supporting both environmental efforts and livelihoods.

Recycle plastic, cans, and glass, compost food waste, and support collection programs for polystyrene, bottle tops, and bread tags.

Other things you can do

• Recycle other items too such as plastic, cans and glass.
• Compost your organic or food waste
• Collect bottle tops and bread tags
• Recycle your polystyrene – it is mixed with cement to make light bricks

Here’s a list of places to recycle in Nelson Mandela Bay:

1. Desco Electronic Recyclers – Specializes in electronic waste recycling.
   • Address: 7 Jasper Road, Neave Industrial, Gqeberha
   • Services: E-waste, batteries, light bulbs, appliances.
2. Green Office Recycling Depot – Focuses on office and paper recycling.
   • Address: 47 Pickering Street, Newton Park, Gqeberha
   • Services: Paper, cardboard, ink cartridges, and electronics.
3. Enviroman Waste Disposal and Recycling – General recycling service.
   • Address: Uitenhage Industrial Area, Uitenhage
   • Services: Glass, paper, plastic, metal, cardboard.
4. The Waste Trade Company – Specializes in recycling collections.
   • Address: 2 Blesbok Street, Perseverance, Gqeberha
   • Services: Paper, cardboard, plastic, cans, glass.
5. Re-Trade – A community-focused recycling initiative.
   • Address: Walmer Methodist Church, 164 Heugh Road, Walmer, Gqeberha
   • Services: Household recyclables (plastic, glass, paper, tin).
6. Mpact Recycling Depot – One of the larger recycling centres.
   • Address: 1 Webb Street, North End, Gqeberha
   • Services: Paper and cardboard, PET plastic bottles, cans.
7. Nelson Mandela Bay Recycling – Household and office recycling service.
   • Contact: +27 83 292 2535
   • Services: Paper, glass, plastic, electronics, metals.
8. Scrap Metal Traders – Specializes in metal recycling.
   • Address: 28 Kruis Street, Korsten, Gqeberha
   • Services: All types of scrap metal.

These centres accept various types of materials, ensuring a responsible and eco-friendly disposal process in Nelson Mandela Bay.