Maxwell Ndlovu started his recycling business in 2011 with one small hut, now he has a booming company that protects the environment and creates more jobs.
Okuhle Waste Management was started by owner Maxwell Ndlovu in 2011 on a side-street in Johannesburg. Now he has two well-equipped buy-back centres in Jeppe Street and Denver, which collect about 300 tonnes of recyclable material each month.
His incredible success is proof of how recycling in South Africa can support and sustain employment in the sector. Every plastic bottle recycled not only saves the environment, it puts food on a family’s table. Maxwell’s businesses for part of the Mpact Recycling programme that helped set up 45 small businesses.
Mpact Recycling communication manager Donna-Mari Noble said Mpact Recycling has helped establish 45 Mpact Recycling buy-back centres throughout Gauteng.
“The programme brings in more than 104 000 tonnes of recyclables every year, significantly boosting the 630 000 tonnes of recyclable material collected by Mpact Recycling annually. The rest of the recyclable material is collected through Mpact’s own operations throughout the country, as well as its 2 000 Ronnie Banks nationwide. It also buys material from more than 100 independent dealers countrywide,”
“Maxwell can only be described as industrious and driven, with an ability to seek out new opportunities and take his business to the next level,”
Maxwell has always been an entrepreneur at heart. Before moving to Johannesburg, he was a security guard. He then started a shuttle service which led to the opening of his first buy-back centre. He built up his businesses by remaining dedicated and working hands-on with informal recycling collectors.
“I work long hours to accommodate the many collectors who deliver recyclable material to my sites, often starting off at six in the morning and knocking off at 10 pm. Because the recycling market tends to be volatile, I try to keep my prices constant during the month, thereby easing income uncertainty for my suppliers.
Trust and respect are an important part of the Okuhle culture, which is why I try my best to accommodate the individuals who supply me with materials. Many of them work incredibly hard to earn a living,” he said.
“I also employ young people to inject creativity and new ideas into the business and am passionate about teaching and giving back to the community,”
His success is inspirational. It is evident that his passion to make a difference is working in his favour. In 2017, he was awarded the PETCO “PETpreneur” award for his entrepreneurship.
As he continues to grow, he will be able to employ more people and pay more recyclers. The future is looking bright!
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