Definition of recycling:
Recycling is processing used materials/waste into new products to prevent waste of potentially useful materials.
Recycling old cans:
There are many different organizations in South Africa for recycling cans. One such organization for recycling is "Collect-A-Can".
Their head office is based in Kyalami Midrand. They collect cans for recycling in a few central locations in South Africa.
They process over 500 tonnes of used cans every month from making collections across the Johannesburg area.
There are two main ways in which the cans reach the depot:
- Collect-A-Can sends trucks to schools, charities, shopping malls, casinos, pubs,
restaurants, etc. - Cans are bought into the depot by collectors.
All the collected cans are weighed and payment is then given to whoever provided them. This creates informal employment for those out of work. This also helps schools and charities to raise money.
Where to take it:
There are many different places to take old cans. You can find recycling bins all over these days. Municipalities place bins in all towns for all kinds of recycling.
On the bins it shows you what waste go into what section. These bins then get sorted and the materials are then sent to the depot. If you are not sure where to take
your sorted waste for recycling you can contact your local municipality to ask them where your closest depot is.
Why Recycle Cans:
There are many reasons why you should recycle. The benefits are amazing. The most important reason is protecting the environment.
The energy saved by recycling a single can is enough to power a TV for 3 hours or one 100-watt light bulb for 20 hours. Aluminium would otherwise take 500 years to decompose.
Recycling protects the environment by:
- Reducing the use of raw materials.
- Reducing the impact of waste on the environment.
- Reducing air pollution, because less iron-ore and oxygen is used to make cans that generates CO2.
- Reduction in energy, because less energy is required to use recycled cans than to produce steel from raw materials.