Reduce Re-use Recycle Rethink

Pikitup successfully rolls out pivotal Separation at Source Pilot Project Project paves way for city wide recycling in households

Getting residents to separate various types of waste such as glass and paper, makes it easier to carry out recycling, with some of these materials being used over and over again. Yet the fact that most residents know very little about the value of separating such waste remains a key challenge for Pikitup. With this in mind, Pikitup employed and trained local youth to visit residents and educate them about the pilot project. With the emphasis on education, Pikitup began the roll out of the Separation at Source pilot project in October 2009 to the suburbs serviced by the Waterval Depot. The project is the first of its kind in Gauteng and aims to encourage residents to sort waste thereby reducing pressure on our rapidly filling up landfill sites. The separation at source pilot project covers 57 000 households in the suburbs serviced by the Waterval Depot. The area’s residents regularly receive clear bags for their dry recyclable waste and an orange bag for paper and cardboard. The existing black wheelie bin that residents have is being used for wet and dry non-recyclable waste. All waste is collected on the same day as per the usual refuse collection schedule. The pilot project will help Pikitup find the best ways to carry out its Separation at Source programme throughout the City. This separation of waste is required by the new Waste Act, which governs the Waste by-Laws.