The City of Cape Town marked World Environment Day last week by celebrating the outstanding progress of the community recycling initiative that has already diverted over 28 000 kg of recyclable material from landfill.

Grant Twigg, Mayco member for urban waste management, says the initiative is is a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities and local recycling champions team up and work together towards a cleaner and more sustainable Cape Town.

Volunteers

Volunteers from areas including Delft, Khayelitsha, Langa, Mfuleni, Scottsville, Scottsdene, Dunoon and Eerste River have helped recover valuable materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, cans, steel and glass. “These are materials that would otherwise have ended up in landfill. Every kilogram diverted matters. It reduces pressure on our landfill sites, supports cleaner neighbourhoods, and helps grow opportunities in the recycling economy. I want to thank every resident, recycler, community organisation and partner who continues to support this initiative.”

Making a difference

“Your efforts are making a real difference and showing that waste has value when we take responsibility for separating and recycling it. Where community members are interested in joining the community recycling initiative, I encourage them to get in touch with their ward councillors or approach my office so that we can explore how they can be part of this growing effort. As the Mayco member for urban waste management, I remain committed to working with communities to increase recycling rates, reduce illegal dumping and build a cleaner, greener city for future generations,” says Twigg.

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