Recycling trolleys hit Joburg

There is relief in sight for both motorists and reclaimers who push trolleys on the streets of Joburg.

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Johannesburg - There is relief in sight for both motorists and reclaimers who push trolleys on the streets of Joburg, often obstructing traffic.

Pikitup has launched a pilot project in which 20 trolley pushers have been given new, properly constructed, branded trolleys. It is part of the city’s plan to integrate informal waste reclaimers into its recycling programme.

The trolleys, which have also been fitted with reflectors, will replace the reclaimers’ handmade inventions, which often pose a safety hazard for motorists.

The new trolleys are the brainchild of Sifiso Ngobese, a 31-year-old Protea Glen, Soweto, entrepreneur. His company, Abomakgereza (Hustlers), Pikitup, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Metal and Paper Recycling Co-operative have formed a partnership to make recycling easier.

The project is named after the township slang used to describe informal recyclers.

Ngobese was determined, from a young age, to make a difference in the lives of people living in Soweto where he was born.

“I would always see these waste collectors… dragging behind them bags of refuse on wobbly carts. Often these trolleys would topple over – creating more waste and mess. So I decided to design and create more functional and durable, light-weight trolleys which are stronger, more spacious and visible to motorists.”

 

Pikitup’s managing director, Amanda Nair, said the main objective of this initiative was to integrate reclaimers into the city’s recycling programme. Through this initiative, Pikitup aimed to reduce waste going to landfill sites to 7 percent by 2040.

 

The trolleys will be distributed to reclaimers by the Denise M&P Recycling Co-operative.

IDC head of development: impact support Stuart Bartlett was excited to be part of the project. “We wanted to make a difference in the environment. That is why we decided to help Sifiso, who has 40 people under his wing. We’re happy to see him grow.”

anna.cox@inl.co.za

The Star