Avenues resident continues mission to clean Edenvale
Although he started the project by himself, Derrick incorporated the help of others and pays recyclers R0.50 for every glass bottle they bring him.
Avenues resident Derrick “More Fire” Tompson is continuing his efforts to clean Edenvale and create what he describes as a Garden of Eden.
Earlier this year Derrick started cleaning Protea Park and although he continues to do, so he has decided to expand his efforts.
At the start of June, he started cleaning the Avenues, starting at First Avenue and progressing towards the Edenvale Sports Grounds.
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Armed with a wheelie bin or bag, Derrick clears pavements and roads of glass bottles, plastic and cans.
To date, he has collected countless bottles he hopes to recycle.
Derrick said he hopes to use funds generated from recycling to help others.
Although he started the project by himself, Derrick incorporated the help of others and pays recyclers R0.50 for every glass bottle they bring him.
“Paying the men gives them an incentive to keep on bringing me the bottles,” explained Derrick.
“It encourages them not to break the bottles on the pavement or road.”
Besides giving people an incentive, Derrick hopes he is reducing the need for anyone to commit a petty crime so they can survive.
“My aim with this project is to help the helpless and empower people,” said Derrick.
When asked which areas had the most bottles, Derrick said the Edenvale Taxi Rank and the Edenvale Sports Grounds.
Besides collecting the bottles, Derrick urged community members to stop dumping items illegally on pavements or elsewhere.
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