Can collecting develops small businesses

The bulk of the cans the branch receives are collected by the branch itself, predominantly from shopping centres, businesses, restaurants and casinos. Only about 10% of the cans processed come from schools.

"We would love to see an increase in the volume of cans that we receive from schools in our area," says Oosthuizen. "There are so many prizes that the schools can win by taking part in our various competitions and they can earn money for all the cans that they collect. If a school falls within our collection area we will gladly collect the cans directly from them once they have stockpiled an adequate amount of cans."

The second largest influx of cans comes via can collection agents. Agents are independent operators who collect cans from businesses, schools and the community and sell them to the company. It assists these agents by providing them with advice on how to increase their productivity and profitability. In addition, they are assisted with materials such as bags for collection, arrangement of transport and the use of mobile balers.

It is through growing and developing these foundling businesses that Oosthuizen finds true satisfaction in his work. "I try to empower as many entrepreneurs as possible to become agents. I actively work on developing them by providing them with a baler on loan and visiting them to provide advice and guidance on an ongoing basis. With the correct support and mentorship these guys can become self-supporting and will bring many cans into our depot," he explains.

The Aeroton branch also buys cans from waste pickers who reclaim cans and other recyclable waste from landfill sites in order to earn some money. "We go to the landfill sites to buy the cans from these reclaimers as they are not always in the position to transport them," Oosthuizen explains.

"My vision is to see as many used cans as possible being recovered from the waste stream for recycling and if we can help people to employ themselves and others at the same time, then I can say that we are making a difference to this country through the work that we are doing," he concludes.