Recycle and earn: Buy-back centre officially launched
It was a happy moment as New Germany resident and eco-warrior Thozeka Letuka officially launched her buy-back centre which is aimed at curbing illegal dumping and helping people put food on the table.
STARTED from humble beginnings two years ago, the buy-back centre, Big Start, just outside Clermont, is blossoming after receiving a boost from various stakeholders.
Last week Wednesday, the dream of Thozeka Letuka came true as the centre was officially launched with their first Packa-Ching mobile recycling unit sponsored by Polyco.
The New Germany eco-warrior beamed with pride and said, “I am a happy for this day. Today, I am joined by the community and stakeholders who supported this. It was not easy; it has been a long journey.”
Also read: New Germany Eco-warrior helps create a waste-free community
She said that prior to the opening of the centre, she did her research using money from her own pocket. She has also been involved in hosting clean-ups and trainings about waste management.
With the centre now serving its purpose, Letuka smiled and said she is proud to be part of making a change.
“After searching for a place we can work from around Clermont, KwaDabeka and New Germany, Ward 21 councillor Neli Nyanisa offered us this plot.”
The recycling centre is situated next to the Durban Solid Waste (DSW) Clermont Garden Refuse and Transfer Station in Freese Road.
“We have waste pickers and also an internship programme that assists young people.”
She added that it is about time that people learn that litter is not just trash – it is made up of recyclables. She urged people to stop dumping and respect nature. “Growing up, our parents and grandparents taught us that cleanliness is next godliness. Let’s go back to basics by respecting, loving and caring for the environment.”
About Packa-Ching
The mobile unit is aimed to reduce the amount of recyclable waste entering landfills or being discarded in the environment. It is also aimed to increase collection and recycling rates in South Africa by showing that used recyclable packaging has a monetary value. Packa-Ching collects used recyclable packaging material from the public in low-income and informal areas.
Only a standard cellphone is needed to use the service and to receive the payouts, making it accessible to everyone. The payments are enabled by a technology-based weigh-and-pay system, allowing the initiative to be mobile and cashless.
For more from the Highway Mail, follow us on Facebook , X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter here
