There are no laws in SA for sorting at the source (aka sorting various recyclables before bin day). Each household has the opportunity to create positive habits linked to recycling at home.
Countries all over the world have laws and legislation regarding recycling in the home, South Africa does not. This, however, doesn’t mean that separation at the source cannot be done.
By committing to change, a household can easily create new recycling habits that fit into everyday life.
‘The Glass Recycling Company supports the ‘separation at source’ of recyclables. Separation at source is where people sort their rubbish at home, work, restaurants and hotels by separating all recyclable packaging from the rest of the rubbish and placing recyclable packaging in a separate dustbin or bag. Separating your recyclables ensures these valuable packaging materials are not sent to landfill.’
TIPS ON HOW TO SEPARATE AT SOURCE:
- Separating your household waste has a significant and positive impact on the environment. It is as easy as using a plastic bin for non-recyclable household waste, and a durable plastic bag for plastics, glass, cans, paper etc.
- Make recycling as convenient as possible by using existing containers, rather than buying or building new ones to separate your recyclables.
- Encourage those around you to do the same – wouldn’t they feel guilty throwing away glass bottles and jars that can be so easily separated and then recycled?
- Glass containers, bottles and jars, such as those used for food and beverages can be recycled.
- Glass that cannot be recycled with packaging glass: Windscreen glass, window pane glass, mirrors, light bulbs, drinking glasses and tumblers, Pyrex or laboratory glass. These items cannot be recycled with your regular glass recycling as this glass has different properties to packaging glass.
- Find a glass bank on The Glass Recycling Company website: www.tgrc.co.za
- The Glass Recycling Company consists of a team dedicated to increasing glass recycling in South Africa. We are passionate about ensuring every South African realises the value of recycling glass and actively embraces this practice.
Many neighbourhoods do not have access to specialised recycling companies, you can continue partaking and recycling your glass bottles and jars at a glass bank near you. The same applies to all forms of recyclables. Start collecting all your recyclables and find nearby drop-off points that will accept your household goods.
If your area has informal recycling collectors on bin day, leave your recycling out for them in neat, well-labelled bags and they too will assist in the positive change.
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