Benefits of Recycling

Recycling, as part of an appropriate waste management plan, has become critical for the survival and prosperity of our current society. There are various ways that you can recycle as a business, from your paper and plastic recycling to your used glass and cans recycling; recycling can also include packaging that did not make it to market (pre-consumer waste). Within this article, we aim to discuss some of the benefits recycling can have for you.

If you are concerned about the South African economy and the high unemployment rate, this is a compelling reason to implement a waste management programme in your business.

Grows the economy

In 2014, the formal waste sector was estimated to be worth at least R15.3 billion in revenue, employing close to 30,000 people and supporting between 60,000 and 90,000 livelihoods in the informal sector. A recent report found that up to an additional R17 billion per year worth of resources could be unlocked if more waste streams could be beneficiated and maximised. If you are concerned about the South African economy and the high unemployment rate, this is a compelling reason to implement a waste management programme in your business. We offer a free waste audit that can help you get going.

Reduces waste

A recent waste management report estimated that only 10% of waste is recycled, however it’s been estimated that 65% of the waste (approximately 38 million tonnes) is recyclable and could subsequently be diverted from landfill and recovered to be reprocessed or repurposed. The reduction of waste infiltrates important facets of our society including the preservation of natural resources, the reduction of pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions.

As a business you can make a great difference through paper and cardboard recycling. A study has shown that although South Africa recycles almost 70% of paper and cardboard, less than 10% of offices and businesses recycle their used paper products. This is a missed opportunity, and an easy and practical step for your business to help reduce waste in South Africa.

The energy saved by recycling one aluminium can is enough to power a television set for three hours.

Protects the environment

Did you know that aluminium cans are 100% recyclable and there is no limit as to how many times the aluminium can be recycled? Recycling cans is one of the most effective ways of recycling and has enormous benefits for the environment. Recycling aluminium saves 90-95 percent of the energy needed to make aluminium from bauxite ore. To put that into context, the energy saved by recycling one aluminium can is enough to power a television set for three hours. Not only does it protect the environment through saving energy, but it also retains key natural resources. Cans definitely do not belong in landfill or littering our beautiful country, so our waste management solution would incorporate cans into the recycling portion of a plan that’s put in place for your waste management.

A potential income stream for your business

Recyclables are valuable and regarded as commodities because they can be collected and made into new products again. When you recycle paper, cardboard, and certain plastics, you could earn an income from these recyclables. Our expert team can advise your business on a suitable waste management plan that not only reduces waste through recycling but can potentially create an income stream. This is exactly the solution we created for one of our clients, South Africa’s largest pharmaceutical retailer. See the story here.