While often overlooked, reclaimers form the backbone of Johannesburg’s recycling efforts.
Working independently, they recover recyclable materials from household waste, reducing pressure on landfills and saving the city millions.

Read more: Reclaimers bridge gap in Bordeaux

Dr Melanie Samson of Wits University estimates reclaimers save municipalities around R700m a year in landfill airspace alone. Yet, they receive no payment or formal support from the government or city structures. Their income comes solely from selling recyclables to buyback centres.

Luyanda Hlatshwayo, business development manager at the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO), said the public often misunderstands reclaimers. “We are seen every day, but no one knows what we do,” he said. “We are not criminals, we are parents who support our families through this work.”

Reclaiming is not charity, it’s labour that contributes directly to South Africa’s recycling economy and helps reduce environmental harm. Without reclaimers, a large amount of waste would end up in landfill sites every year.

There are simple ways residents can support and strengthen this informal system:

1. Separate and clean recyclables to ensure reclaimers can work more efficiently.

2. Drive safely around reclaimers, who often push heavy loads on narrow roads.

3. Recognising reclaimers as part of a working solution, and not a social problem, can shift how we manage waste in our communities.

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