Every day, hundreds of waste pickers, often called “bin pickers” or “reclaimers,” navigate Cape Town’s streets, collecting recyclable materials from bins and landfills. While some see their work as a nuisance, these informal recyclers play a vital role in reducing landfill waste, supporting recycling initiatives, and contributing to the circular economy.
Research shows that informal recyclers divert tons of waste from landfills each year, saving municipalities millions in disposal costs and helping move Cape Town toward a cleaner, greener future.
Musa Chamane, Senior Waste Campaigner at groundWork, explained:
“Waste pickers are men and women, young and old, moving through streets and towns collecting materials like cans, plastics, and paper to trade for cash. They play a critical role in reducing waste that would otherwise end up in the environment or landfills. In doing so, they not only make a living but also help reduce CO2 emissions. Citizens can support them by being mindful of recycling and assisting wherever possible.”
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
Photo: Pexels
