What do we do?
We support informal reclaimers in their efforts to collect of waste materials, sort it and sell it on, as part of our aims to promote a circular economy.
How do we do it?
We are developing a model for Material Optimisation Facilities in which informal reclaimers access a share of the value added through densification by compacting materials. Compacted material has greater value in that its transportation to the commercial recycler is more efficient. We aim to provide cardboard/paper/plastic reclaimers access to a baling service (and in the future glass crushing service) where capital costs are funded by municipal- or donor funding and operating costs are funded through the reclaimers / operators' sales revenue.
The idea is that the site will be on Municipal land, operated by an appointed site manager and staff who benefit from the same functionality and a zero rent space to operate from. Our MOFs (FMOs) are intended to also be vehicles that drive increased demand for currently low / no value materials thereby extracting them from the environment and landfill stream.
Where do we do this?
We have a pilot site located at Connaught Bridge over the Umgeni River, in Durban North.
What is the Impact?
This project aligns with the national mandate that Municipalities need to integrate informal reclaimers into the formal waste management system. Through registration and sustained supply of recyclables, reclaimers qualify for:
- A government subsidy,
- PPE (which allows greater access to partner neighbourhoods to access target materials)
- A greater financial return for their effort (through their share in added value)
How can you get involved?
Funding and donations to help grow this model and set up similar sites around eThekwini are needed. These sites need levelling compacting and paving, water and electricity installed and they need to be maintained and cleared. The accumulated/ densified materials, site infrastructure also needs to be secured.
We welcome investors, partners, funders and volunteers to become involved.
Contact Jonathan Welch