Recycling Statistics in South Africa
Of the 42 million tonnes of general waste generated in South Africa in 2017, it is estimated that only 11% (4.9 million tonnes) was recycled. Over 300 recycling companies operate in South Africa. The top 30 recyclers process 54% of the country’s plastic waste. Just over one-quarter of all recyclers have been operating for 3 years or less, while another quarter has been in the business for 20 years or more. The 3 most experienced recyclers have 135 years between them. PVC is recycled by over 40 companies in South Africa. LDPE from squeezable bottles and dry cleaner bags can also be recycled.
Global Recycling Comparisons
Germany – 56.1% Since 2016, Germany has had the highest recycling rate in the world, with 56.1% of all waste it produced last year being recycled.
Recycling Companies in South Africa
- JCL Plastic Enterprises (JCL), plastic recyclers located in Boksburg, 20km East of Johannesburg, South Africa.
- A Cape Town based importer of Solar Products, operating as a family business since 1992.
- Tala Planet Initiative (T/A Planet), headquartered in Bloemfontein, Free State.
- Suppliers of PET beverage bottle scrap from South Africa.
- Palladium Recycling (pty) ltd, specialists in the recycling of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs).
- SAPRO states that there are more than 40 PVC recyclers in South Africa.
- Companies in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Kimberley, Polokwane, and more.
- MMH Recycling Systems Limited, distributing equipment for scrap metal recycling, operating in the United Kingdom and South Africa.
The Impact of Recycling in South Africa
The recycling industry supports 7890 formal jobs and approximately 58,470 South Africans earn an income through the recycling supply chain. Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) reports that at least 122 million tonnes of waste are generated per year, with only 10% being recycled or recovered. Around 90% end up in landfills or are disposed of illegally.
The World Bank highlights that uncollected and poorly disposed waste has significant health and environmental impacts.
Recycling in South Africa offers a chance for job creation and a step toward a greener future. Recycling involves three steps:
- Collecting the recyclable materials.
- Processing and sorting, which are then sold.
The waste recycling industry in Africa has great growth potential, expected to increase from 20 billion in 2023 to 27 billion in 2028, fostering the economy and innovation.
South Africa recycles 46% of all plastic, 70% of paper, 72% of metal, and 70% of glass, making it one of the most effective recycling industries worldwide.