Paper recycling rates in South Africa increased to nearly 60% in 2011. This equates to the annual recovery of over a million ton of paper. Despite increased awareness, large amounts of recoverable paper and board packaging are still unnecessarily dumped in landfill sites.
"Sadly only 5% of homes actively recycle their paper and board," says Paper Recycling Association of South Africa (PRASA) operations director Ursula Henneberry. National Recycling Day on Friday, 14 September, is the perfect opportunity for South Africans to take a more active role in recycling, in the home and at the workplace.
"If we do not recycle, paper will rot among other rubbish and emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, which is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide," says Henneberry. A ton of recycled paper can save up to three cubic metres of landfill space and subsequently reduce transport costs for local municipalities.
By recycling paper, milk and juice cartons, glass, aluminium and plastic, we contribute to less pollution and litter, and create a healthier, greener and cleaner society. Do your research and find out which companies collect paper in your area. Visit www.mywaste.co.za for these details.
Useful hints
- Do not mix your paper with other recyclables
- Do not let your paper get wet or soiled by other rubbish. Keep it under cover or in a closed plastic container
- Get to know what is recyclable and what is not. The following paper types cannot be recycled:
- Foil gift wrapping and foiled lined boxes
- Wax coated or laminated boxes such as frozen food boxes
- Empty cement and dog food bags
- Disposable nappies
- Carbon paper
- Sticky notes
- Remember that juice, milk and custard cartons are recyclable. Simply rinse, flatten and place with your paper recycling
- Newspapers are best recycled within three months
