Are we where we need to be with plastic recycling?

The latest figures released by PlasticsSA, the umbrella body representing the entire value chain of the local plastics industry, show that South Africa has a dynamic, growing and well-supported plastics recycling industry.

According to the survey South Africa collected 519 370 tons of plastic waste for recycling last year. With an input recycling rate of 43.7 percent when it comes to plastics, compared to that of Europe’s 31.1 percent, the local industry has made important strides.

Many First World countries are desperate to find solutions for their growing waste problems after China and other Asian countries closed their borders to waste imports.

South Africa is in a slightly better position in that the bulk of the locally collected waste was, and still is, locally recycled into raw materials.

Despite facing major challenges last year, the plastics industry made important strides forward. Plastic bags manufacturers removed fillers to produce bags that are fully recyclable. In addition, 100 percent certified recycled plastic material is now used to produce some carrier bags. This creates an end-market for recycled plastic products and helps to reduce waste to landfill.

ALSO READ: Love them or hate them, waste pickers need you to survive

Key findings of the 2018 recycling survey are:

• Forty-six percent of plastics waste was collected for recycling, making South Africa one of the best mechanical recyclers in the world.

• Growth in plastics recycling – 6.7 percent more than the previous year.

• 352,000 tonnes of new recycled plastic raw material was manufactured to complement virgin polymer in South Africa, a 12.2 percent increase year-on-year.

• Recycled tonnages grew 64 percent and virgin polymer 21 percent since 2009.

• The amount of plastics that were recycled in South Africa during 2018 alone saved enough oil to fuel 200,000 cars for one year – travelling 30,000km/annum.

• Plastics recycling saved 246,000 tonnes of CO2 (the equivalent emissions of 51,200 cars) in the same year.

• South Africa has 300 active recyclers of which 20 percent were doing 70 percent of the tonnages reported.

• The plastics recycling industry provided direct employment to more than 7,800 people and created a further 58,500 income-generating jobs.

• R2.3bn was injected into the informal sector through the purchasing of recyclable plastics waste.

• Seventy percent of all recyclable materials originated from landfill and other post-consumer sources.

• Thirty-four percent of South Africans do not have access to regular waste removal.

Local recycling points:

• Dolphin Coast Waste Management’s recycling station in Umhlali next to the BP or at their depot in Shaka’s Head.

• The Ballito Business Centre (by The North Coast Courier offices).

•Ballito Convenience Centre on the corner of the M4 and Douglas Crowe Drive

ALSO READ:  Feed the fish plastic, urge environmentalists

• Sugar Rush on Esenembi Road

• Dolphin Coast Pre-Primary School at 74 Hilary Road

• Hops Restaurant and Bar and Salty’s Pub and Grill

• All white goods (household appliances like fridges) and electronic waste, excluding light bulbs, can be dropped at SIMS Recycling Solutions at 3 Jack Smith Road, Ballito Service Park.

• Reclite recovers and recycles lighting lamps such as fluorescent lamps CFLs, HIDs and LED lamps. They also supply specialised collection bins for industrial and commercial use. For more info, contact them at 032 525 8332 or visit their office at 16 Imbonini Park, Shakashead.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for the Dolphin Coast Waste Management home recycling collection service.

Download The North Coast Courier mobile app, now available free from the Apple iStore and on Google Play, for IOS and Android phones.