Recyclers play an essential role
Solomon Maisi has been collecting refuse for 26 years.
Springs recyclers play an essential role in refuse collection, but they are often misunderstood.
The recyclers wake up early to beat the refuse removal trucks to collect recyclable refuse from wheelie bins outside people’s homes.
They then drag these items to the recycling stations at various dump sites around Springs on improvised wooden carts.
“There’s a big misconception about these people. A lot of people see them as a nuisance and treat them with disrespect, while they are actually providing an essential service,” said resident Chiquita van der Ryst.
Chiquita and her mom hand out sandwiches to recyclers in their neighbourhood every Tuesday before the refuse trucks arrive.
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Solomon Maisi has been collecting refuse for 26 years.
“I wake up every morning at 05:00 to beat the trucks. It’s hard work, but it’s the only way I can provide for my family,” he said.
Many of the recyclers said people can make their jobs easier by dividing their refuse into plastics and metals.
Nomthandazo Mathenjwa started collecting refuse last year during the lockdown.
“I wake up at 05:00 every Friday and leave just before 06:00. I collect rubbish in Sharon Park and take it to the Springs dump site,” she said.
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