Collect-a-Can's initiative generates income for unemployed

© Monika Adamczyk – 123RF.com

The initiative encourages the public to collect as many cans as possible for recycling in exchange for cash. Collect-a-Can has been working closely with informal collectors over the past 22 years to help them get the highest price per kilogram of cans that they deliver to their nearest branch.

“We teach collectors that they can get better prices for aluminium cans than for steel cans. However, we also encourage them to collect steel cans to help boost their income, particularly if the cans are sorted and not rusted. We also encourage them to collect the whole can for recycling and teach them that we do not accept pull-rings,” says Zimasa Velaphi, public relations and marketing manager of Collect-a-Can.

“We believe that the ‘Cash for Cans’ initiative does not only benefit communities by providing them with an income, but it also contributes to a cleaner and greener environment,” he adds.

‘Cash for Cans’ has proved over the years that it can be a sustainable source of income for many informal collectors. It has taught many a valuable lesson in life: With hard work and dedication they can provide for their loved ones.