The City of Tshwane partnered with the National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment to donate PPEs to about 300 informal waste recyclers in Atteridgeville, Stinkwater, Ga-Rankuwa, Hammanskraal, Soshanguve and in the Hatherley landfill sites.
MMC for Environment and Agriculture Management, Councillor Dana Wannenburg said that informal waste recyclers collect re-usable and recyclable materials to generate income and keep the environment clean.
He also said sadly, during the national lockdown they were not regarded as essential workers, that is what driven the donation. “The equipment is part of the DFFE’s Covid-19 Relief Fund package,” he added.
“For many informal waster recyclers, this is the only source of income, and requires long, physically demanding hours on the streets to collect recyclables and convey to their nearest buy-back locations,” says Wannenburg.
He noted that recycling is an important part of waste management in South Africa, and the city of Tshwane.
In concluding, Wannenburg said informal waste recyclers should be recognised and valued so that sustainability can be maintained in the waste management sector.
