Mpuma Waste Buy-Back Centre re-launched

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This was made possible through a collaborative effort by BHP Billiton Energy Coal South Africa (BECSA), the eMalahleni Local Municipality and Department of Environmental Affairs.

"We invested close to R1m and the re-launch marks a new beginning for Mpuma Waste Buy-Back Centre which now has a completed office block and a bigger working area which will increase production volumes from 13,000 to approximately 35,000 tons per month," BECSA asset president, Jon Evans, said.

"I am proud to say that the centre has created six permanent jobs and is generating income for 50 informal waste recyclers who collect and deliver waste to the buy-back facility. This presents an opportunity for Mpuma Waste to reaffirm their commitment to making this business a great success."

Enterprise development

"BECSA's involvement with the centre and its activities is based on the company's genuine desire to work with communities in a sustainable way and to engender responsible environmental stewardship. We are committed to enterprise development and will continue to support the Mpuma Waste Buy-Back Centre towards reaching its full potential," Evans said.

In 2011, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africans generated more than 108 million tons of waste per year, of which only 10% of this gets recycled. The recycling industry has great potential for growth and can make a significant contribution towards the growth.

Evans said given the great potential for growth for recycling, BECSA was proud of its partnership with the Department, eMalahleni Municipality and the management of the Mpuma Waste Centre, situated in eMalahleni.

"It is through this kind of collaboration that we have managed to make a critical contribution to reducing illegal dumping, promoting a cleaner environment, reducing landfill costs and supporting government policies on environment, conservation and waste management.

"I have no doubt that through hard work and resilience this business will continue to grow thereby creating more sustainable jobs," he said.