South Africa presents a particularly interesting case study in the context of waste management. Around 34% of mainstream recyclables such as paper, plastics, glass and metals, is recycled, a rate that compares favourably with many rich countries in Europe and North America[1].  A good share of that amount is attributed to a variety of actors along the value chain, from informal waste pickers to industrial recycling plants. Waste-pickers contribute a large portion of the amount that gets recycled: Approximately 80-90% of post-consumer packaging and paper recycled was collected by the country’s estimated 90,000 waste-pickers[2] and 2,600 SMEs active in recycling[3]. The regulatory framework is also changing, with the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations over the next few years to encourage the minimisation of waste and reuse of existing waste[4].

Regenize, a Cape Town-based social enterprise, is seeking to transform the way recycling and waste management is approached in the country, to encourage more South Africans to recycle their waste at household level. In the diverse communities of the Western Cape, Chad Robinson and Nkosinathi Miti saw an opportunity to address two critical challenges at once: waste management and unemployment. Their vision is that recycling should be accessible, inclusive, and rewarding while creating meaningful employment opportunities.

Regenize seeks to integrate informal waste pickers into the formal recycling value chain, providing them with steady employment and an income stream. The company operates on a dual service model that reflects the economic realities of South Africa’s communities. In suburban areas where residents can afford to pay, Regenize offers paid services. However, in underserved communities where resources are scarce, they provide their services free of charge. This approach ensures that geography and economic status don't determine access to proper waste management.

Central to their community engagement is the Remali reward system, an incentive programme that turns recycling into a rewarding activity. Residents who recycle receive vouchers that can be redeemed at local shops and spaza shops for goods they need. This creates a circular economy within communities, where environmental responsibility directly translates to tangible benefits for families.

[1] Department of Environmental Affairs, South Africa State of Waste Report 2018
[2] https://infrastructurenews.co.za
[3] Department of Environmental Affairs, “Government to host a workshop on Waste Pickers integration in Pretoria,” 
[4] https://www.dffe.gov.za/registration-terms-regulations-regarding-extended-producer-responsibility-2020