African Reclaimers

Area of Focus:

Waste-Free World

Geography:

South Africa

Due to limited waste collection services in rural South Africa, residents often resort to burning waste instead of recycling it. The majority of waste reclaimers are also not formally recognised and face poor working conditions with restricted access to the recyclables market. These challenges result in both economic instability for reclaimers as well as environmental repercussions.

The African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) is addressing these challenges through its Resident Reclaimer Recycling Programme, which integrates reclaimers into the formal waste management system. It takes a multi-layered approach, starting with education. Residents are taught how to properly separate recyclables for reclaimers to collect, while reclaimers are trained on how to appropriately handle and store the materials.

By facilitating off-take agreements between recyclers and buyers as well as providing access to sorting facilities, ARO also helps reclaimers to improve the value of collected recyclables and ensure steady demand. When combined with the provision of service fees for their efforts, the enterprise enhances reclaimers’ overall income and working conditions.

Last but not least, ARO collaborates with local municipalities to implement its programme and integrate reclaimers into waste management plans.

With TRANSFORM’s support, ARO has expanded its services from urban Johannesburg to rural Mpumalanga, significantly increasing the programme's reach and impact. The project aims to divert over 5,000 tonnes of recyclable material from landfills, create job opportunities, and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Additionally, the project promotes social inclusion by formalising the role of reclaimers, improving their livelihoods, and strengthening community engagement. The support from TRANSFORM has been vital in scaling ARO's model, ensuring sustainable, long-term impact on the recycling economy in South Africa.