Recycling drive targets plastic in Margate, Scottburgh
The East Coast Recycling Partnership aims to recycle more than 13 000 tonnes of plastic waste.
Scottburgh and Margate are part of a KZN recycling initiative to recover more than 13 000 tonnes of plastic by June 2027.
The East Coast Recycling Partnership (ECRP), managed by Green Corridors NPC, now covers Durban, Pietermaritzburg, Newcastle, Empangeni, Ladysmith, Eshowe, Scottburgh and Margate.
The partnership aims to strengthen the waste recovery chain by creating opportunities for informal reclaimers and supporting Buy Back Centres (BBCs), which play an important role in getting recyclable material into the recycling industry.
During its first phase, the programme recycled 6 260 tonnes of plastic in the 12 months to February this year. More than 600 informal reclaimers recovered over 1 376 tonnes directly from landfills, streets and open spaces, while R5.6m was invested in BBCs, sustaining more than 140 permanent jobs.
The second phase began in May and aims to recycle more than 13 000 tonnes of plastic, impact the livelihoods of 1 950 informal reclaimers and sustain 275 permanent jobs.
The programme is expected to receive an investment of more than R11m by June 2027.
ECRP project manager Gary Cullen said a digital reporting system tracks every tonne recovered through participating BBCs, providing verified data on volumes collected, income generated and reclaimers paid.
The initiative is backed by the Alliance to End Plastic Waste and Unilever South Africa, together with Producer Responsibility Organisations and other plastics recycling industry partners.
The ECRP is also seeking corporate partners interested in supporting waste recovery.
Organisations, industry players and investors interested in supporting the initiative can contact ecrp-admin@durbangreencorridor.co.za.
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