BLOEMFONTEIN: South Africans are encouraged to learn more about recycling and its environmental and economic benefits. The clarion call ties in with the annual National Recycling Day, observed on Friday, 19 September, and South African National Clean-Up and Recycle Week.
The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (Pamsa) is at the forefront of the campaign on recycling.
Samantha Choles, Pamsa spokesperson, pointed out that there is still a significant gap between good intentions and action when it comes to paper recycling. She said a recent survey by the body had found that 20% of people admit they do not recycle, but would like to.
“The way to close the gap is by raising awareness on the ins and outs of recycling and encouraging consumers to dispose of products responsibly,” said Choles.
She said the survey had revealed some positive signs: 81% of respondents clearly understand what types of products can be recycled, an improvement from 78% in 2023.
“Of these, 74% of people said they recycle paper and cardboard either consistently or occasionally.
“Some 69% responded that they recycle their paper-based packaging such as delivery boxes, food packaging and drinking cartons. Only 5% said they never recycle their paper and cardboard products.”
According to Choles, Pamsa collects around 1,2 million tonnes of paper and paper packaging every year, diverting this volume from the country’s landfills and converting it into new packaging and tissue products.
“Most paper products can be recycled, but there are a few exceptions − mainly due to the type of finishing or coating, material composition and contamination from the likes of food contact,” she explained, adding that it is best to check the labelling on the paper product if one is in doubt.
A list of paper products that cannot be recycled, include:
■ tissue products;
■ paper towels;
■ napkins or serviettes;
■ toilet paper;
■ contaminated or dirty paper;
■ paper plates and cups with food residue;
■ waxy fast-food wrappers;
■ wet paper or cardboard;
■ cement bags (due to the cement residue);
■ paper with mixed materials, plastic coating and lamination;
■ laminated office paper;
■ photographs;
■ wax-coated paper (like some fruit or meat wrappers);
■ foil or plastic-lined paper or gift wrap;
■ envelopes with plastic windows (some facilities are capable of handling them);
■ paper envelope with bubble wrap inners; and
■ paper with glitter, metallic ink, or embellishments.
As far as possible, any non-paper elements should be removed from recyclable paper. This includes sticky tape, plastic liners, metal or plastic binding, staples and paper clips.
A list of what should be recycled includes:
■ office or copy paper;
■ brown cardboard boxes;
■ grocery and takeaway bags;
■ cereal boxes, medicine boxes, and the like;
■ pizza boxes;
■ magazines and newspapers;
■ egg boxes and moulded fibre cup holders;
■ centre cores from products such as toilet paper, kitchen towel, gift wrap, cling wrap and tinfoil;
■ milk and juice cartons − remember to remove the plastic closures, rinse lightly and flatten all items such as these; and
■ paper cups.
It is important to have a separation system, with bins for rubbish and bins for recycling.
“This ensures that your recyclable paper and cardboard will not get wet or dirty and will stay in a good condition until it gets to the recycling mill. These can be placed around the house too, not just in the kitchen,” suggested Choles.
“While significant research and development is underway to improve the handling of a wider range of paper-based packaging, the re-pulping technology currently used cannot process large amounts of non-paper elements, as these can damage the machinery.”
