Where to recycle in Cape Town?

How to drop and recycle trash – thereby helping the environment

While other countries have been practicing waste separation, bottle deposits and more for a couple of years, South Africa is just at the beginning of a sustainable concept of garbage disposal. There are about 6000 tons of waste produced every day in the city, says Cape Town Green Map. So, here’s where and how you can recycle in the Mother City.

'Think Twice' – a recycling initiative by the City of Cape Town
In 2007 the City of Cape Town originated the 'Think Twice' initiative. Recyclable garbage is picked up from households in Green Point, Mouille Point and Three Anchor Bay areas. The initiative will be extended to other places in 2011. Read more about Think Twice.

Paper & Cardboard
PRASA offers a free collection service for paper. They put wastebaskets into offices, so that paper, cardboard and newspapers can be collected. Anyone interested should call +27 (0)11 803 5063 or write to Ursula.henneberry@pamsa.co.za.

ShredMaster shreds used files, paper, newspapers, books, magazines and cardboard. Companies can order a container which will be picked up by ShredMaster. Contact: info@shredmaster.co.za or call +27 (0)860 747 336.

Plastic
Petco offers a variety of drop off centers (including the Jan Van Riebeeck School on Kloof Street) for old plastic. You will find an accurate list on their site. You can drop plastic for free, and Petco will pick it up and recycle.

Glass & Cans
The glass containers of The Glass Recycling Company are all over Cape Town.

The nonprofit organisation Collect-a-Can offers a collection service for households in Cape Town. Contact: +27 (0)21 534 7010 or per mail (rodrick@collectacan.co.za).

Oil
If you want to deliver used oil, you could do this at the drop off centres, Rose.

Electronics
Have an old TV, cellphone or computer that’s served its time? Then give it to eWasa, they will collect your electronic waste.

Recycling service for households
Abundance Recycling collects your recyclable waste (plastic, paper, glass, cans) once a week for R70 per month. You have to put you trash into a garbage bag in front of your door, the company will pick it up on a specific day (depends on the district). Abundance Recycling will bring the garbage to a recycling station where the trash will be sorted and processed further. Contact per mail (abundance@telkomsa.net) or during the week between 8am and 12pm by calling +27 (0)21 531 5888.

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