Help by Recycling in Pretoria and do your part

The festive season is close to an end, but your commitment to recycling can continue to make a positive impact in Pretoria.

Despite the disruptions to the usual routine during the holidays, there are numerous opportunities in the city to contribute to waste management effectively.

Whether you’ve been on holiday, spent more time at home, or hosted family and friends, now is the perfect time to channel the spirit of giving back and making environmentally conscious choices regarding your trash.

Consider the following practices to ensure your waste is handled responsibly:

1. Recycle Gift Wrapping: Opt for eco-friendly gift wrapping without plastic elements like glitter. Most gift wrapping, along with paper waste and larger gift boxes, can be recycled.
2. Reuse and Repurpose: Instead of relying solely on recycling, explore ways to reuse items. Use cloth wrapping for gifts, turning it into a thoughtful and reusable present in itself. Save gift bags and wrapping paper in good condition for future use.
3. Sort Your Recycling: Take the extra step to sort your recycling. Even basic sorting, such as separating metals from other items, makes a significant difference. Consider more detailed sorting for items like dyed paper, bleached paper, and organic paper for optimal recycling.
4. Utilize Food Scraps: Turn food scraps into fertilizer instead of discarding them. This is a sustainable way to make use of kitchen waste.
5. Locate Drop-Off Points: Many recycling businesses in Pretoria welcome drop-offs or collections of recyclable materials. Use interactive maps provided by organizations like the Sustainable Seas Trust to find convenient drop-off points near you.
6. Support Waste Pickers: Acknowledge and support the informal waste pickers in Pretoria. Separate your trash and clearly mark it, making it easier for them to identify and collect recyclable items. Consider donating fresh food items in hygienic containers to assist them in their essential work.

By adopting these practices, you not only contribute to a cleaner environment but also support the livelihoods of waste pickers and promote sustainable living in Pretoria.

Source: Pretoria News