10% of Newcastillians recycle their waste

Only a fraction of Newcastle residents recycle, we take a closer look as to why.

February 8, 2019

Bruce Douglas 1 minute read

An estimated 5 to 10% of Newcastillians recycle their waste.

This is according to Nel Vuyk, who up until last year ran a centre processing many hundreds of tons of paper, plastic and cardboard waste each month.

She believes there is still scope for local recycling.

Nel says residents must take recycling into their own hands.

Nel feels that too often residents are quick to point a finger and throw around phrases like ‘go green’ and ‘global warming’ but don’t affect change themselves.

Thus she urged residents to take responsibility for their own waste.

“They should bring recyclable waste to a centre for processing, even if they don’t get any money for it.”

This does not abdicate owners of waste processing businesses, who sometimes make residents jump through various hoops.

Focus on Service

“There needs to be better relations between the community and recyclers, so there can be prosperity.”

Asked how she still contributes to recycling initiatives, Nel explains she still collects books and magazines to generate profit for the SPCA Newcastle.

She is also very much involved in turning waste into art.

In addition to pieces she transforms using the specialised adhesive Tokreen, Nel also sells handmade jewellery and other interesting pieces at markets, events and shops in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.