Empowering Parktown’s waste pickers

In a pioneering effort to elevate the status of waste pickers and promote sustainable waste management practices, a collaborative initiative in Parktown has led to the professionalisation of an informal reclaimer camp.

This transformative project, supported by Urban Surfer, a local non-profit organisation based in Rosebank, dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability, has been at the forefront of efforts to empower marginalised communities through their initiatives.

Partnering with Hollard Insurance and PolyCo, Urban Surfer has leveraged its expertise and resources to drive positive change in Parktown. The significant milestone is acknowledging the vital role of waste pickers in the recycling ecosystem.

The project is now a fully functional recycling hub that features modern facilities and advanced technologies. It owes its success to its commitment to recognising the invaluable contributions of waste pickers to the recycling ecosystem. The project has provided comprehensive support and resources, including infrastructure upgrades and tailored training programmes.

A key innovation of the project is the implementation of GPS tracking for recyclable collection, aimed at improving efficiency and transparency. This technology enables the monitoring and recording of areas of collection, sorting, and selling, as well as the measurement of the type, volume, and value of collected recyclables. Data collected through GPS tracking is presented in a reporting application, giving waste pickers a more active role in recycling with tools and technology to monitor and record their activities.

Kabelo Motwemte, a dedicated waste picker who has used the site since 2015, shared his perspective on the initiative. “It’s a pleasure. It is a good thing.” When asked about his motivation for venturing into recycling, he explained, “I did it for myself and the money.” Motwemte emphasised the benefits of recycling, stating, “It is a good thing for the environment, for the health of the people and in return, it’s the cash.”

The on-site baling of recyclables using solar-powered machinery is a game-changing approach that offers dual benefits for both waste pickers and environmental sustainability. By processing recyclables at the camp itself, waste pickers can increase their productivity, efficiency, and revenue streams. This eliminates the need to transport loose materials to off-site facilities, making the process more cost-effective and eco-friendly. This reduces transportation costs, which not only benefits waste pickers’ earnings but also contributes to the economic viability of recycling operations, leading to a more sustainable future.

Herman Mokwane, another dedicated waste picker benefiting from the project, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “I am happy with what was built for us. I wish we could get a bakkie to help us load the things we recycle because they are heavy.”

Infographic:

Collection trolley components:

• Maximises the available space on the trolley.
• Durable heavy-duty material.
• Lightweight waterproof ripstop material.

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