Boost your recycling pay: Why separating plastic makes a big difference

AS the waste management industry grows, with many entering the field to address environmental concerns, waste pickers are encouraged to effectively sort plastic waste to improve their earning and contribute more to the circular economy.

This call comes from Thozeka Letuka, a founder of a recycling company Big Start at a buy-back centre based in Clermont. Letuka believes that to effectively sort plastic waste for recycling and maximise profitability in South Africa, it is crucial to understand the different types of plastics and ensure proper separation at the source. Letuka reveals that mixed waste has no value. “If you sell 1kg of mixed waste to a recycling facility that becomes a 30c value. You need to separate the waste at the source, and put it in their different types. All plastic waste has numbers underneath from one to seven and you need to sort your waste according to numbers in order to get more money,” she advises.

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However, Letuka emphasises that clear plastic bottles have a higher commercial value compared to coloured bottles. “This is because they can be recycled back into new bottles with minimal process, while coloured bottles often require more complex sorting and processing.”

She reveals that 1kg of clear plastic bottles costs R3, while coloured bottles cost R2 per kilogram.  The founder says: “This involves training on proper sorting, and separating recyclable waste from non-recyclable waste. Cleaning recyclable waste and separating it into different types can significantly increase its value and marketability.”

She advises waste pickers to rinse plastic waste to remove food and drinks remnants, preventing contamination of the recycling batch. Letuka is urging waste collectors to consider baling and compacting plastics as this increases their volume and value, making them more appealing to recyclers.

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Letuka calls for waste pickers to register with the South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA) to ensure that they receive incentives. “My door is always open and I am happy to assist waste pickers who want to register for SAWPA. For registering as a waste picker, you will be able to get back 15c for each waste kilogram you sell to a recycling facility,” she adds.

Understanding the plastic types and numbers:

• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Number 1: Used for beverages bottles, food containers and textiles.
• HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) – Number 2: Used for milk jugs, detergent bottles, and shampoo bottles.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – Number 3: Used for flooring, pipes, window frames.
• LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) – Number 4: Used for plastic bags, food packaging, and films.
• PP (Polypropylene) – Number 5: Used for yogurt containers, bottle caps, and food packaging.
• PS (Polystyrene) – Number 6: Used for disposable cups, trays, and packaging.
• Other – Number 7: A mix of plastics, often difficult to recycle.

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