Pikitup has launched a separation at source project in partnership with Dikala Group to encourage recycling and reduce waste going to landfill sites across Joburg.
Ward councillor Martin Williams said the project has begun in the Craighall, Craighall Park, Dunkeld and Illovo areas over which he presides. “The City of Joburg has outsourced Dikala to hand out bags and collect recyclable materials. Dikala will then take waste to the depot for it to be reused. The idea is to incorporate waste pickers in this process, but the details of their involvement are still to be arranged.”
Williams said the benefit of the project is that waste can be more intelligently used; it can prolong the life of landfill sites and provide work opportunities for many people.
Residents in the affected areas have been given special plastic bags for the separation at source project, which they are instructed to fill with various types of recyclable materials. They are encouraged to put out the recycling bags with their usual rubbish on the allocated day, which will be picked up by Dikala and transported to the recycling depot.
Dikala Group operations manager Fortune Poto said, “Once a week, we come and collect our bags. Residents must place all their recyclable materials in these bags.
“The project was initiated by the City of Joburg in order to decrease the amount of waste going to landfill sites.”
Poto said that residents will receive their bags every week when Dikala collects their waste. If residents are not home to collect their bags, they will be placed in their post boxes.
If you live in one of the above-listed areas but have not received the bags, call 087 820 7640 to arrange a drop-off. Poto added that Dikala can also be contacted on this number if you wish to dispose of more recyclable waste than can fit in the allocated bag.
Details: For more information, visit www.dikalagroup.co.za
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