In South Africa we are privileged to boast an extremely high national recovery rate of 70 percent when it comes to recycling cans.
There are many good reasons to purchase cans: they are easily stackable and take up less room in any general storage area. Cans use less space and chill faster in a fridge than any other form of beverage packaging, which helps to save energy and, given recent electricity hikes, it's useful to know of every possible saving on the monthly electricity bill. The can tab cannot be tampered with once sealed, which means that the integrity of the contents won't be jeopardised and can tabs have been successfully eliminated as a litter source as they now remain attached to the can. The neutral, water-based internal coatings protect the integrity of the can's contents and there is absolutely no effect from can or coating on the flavour of the contents.
In addition, the tin plate totally protects the can's contents from dirt and bacteria. The contents of canned food and beverages are not affected by conditions such as humidity and oxygen. No unwanted or potentially harmful interactions occur within a properly sealed can, and no seepage can take place because the can is made of impermeable steel. Cans are so strong that they are almost unbreakable, making them safe for children, or around bare hands and feet on beaches, and in other leisure situations such as swimming pools and sports facilities.
Gregory Masoka, Collect-a-Can's operations manager said: "Steel can be used time and time again to produce prime product. We can easily conserve an enormous amount of energy and resources by paying special attention to recycling cans, which are a 100 percent recyclable and valuable material." Masoka added: "Cans are the most recycled form of packaging in southern Africa, making a major contribution to the preservation of the natural environment and tourist attractions. We, at Collect-a-Can, are also very proud to be able foster entrepreneurship by offering cash for empty cans, which affords individuals a means to earn some form of income."
Your cans can either be set aside for delivery to a drop-off point, many of which are easily accessible, or if you are in a municipal area that offers collection of recyclables along with your regular garbage, included with your weekly refuse collection. Remember that many schools collect cans to supplement their fundraising efforts, so enquire at a school in your area whether they have the facilities for cans to be dropped off.
Any cans collected can be brought to a Collect-a-Can branch where the collector will be paid cash for their cans.
For more information, go to Collect-a-Can's website www.collectacan.co.za or contact Collect-a-Can's head office on +27 (0)11 466 2939.
