Buy-back centres occupy a central position in the value chain – buying recyclables and selling them to recyclers or bigger buy-back centres. That’s why Petco supports them in every way we can.

Recently, we sponsored a baler for a Tshwane East buy-back centre that was eager to ramp up its business. The baling machine will be used to compress the collected recyclable packaging into compact, manageable bales for easier handling, storage and processing. We also handed over 300 bulk bags, for storing and transporting large volumes of recyclables.

These vital resources will help the centre better manage and grow its volumes of recyclable packaging waste, which in turn will help support collectors. The stronger the infrastructure, the more efficient the system – and everybody involved will benefit.

Operating from Mooiplaas, and processing an average of 25 tonnes per month, the buy-back centre has become one of the area’s main players in PET collection.

In its original support application, the centre asked for an H15 baler, but decided to further upgrade to the H20 baler, which is capable of handling higher volumes (and paid the difference) – showing their serious intent to take their business to a whole new level.

With the highly advanced H20 baler they can now achieve more efficient compaction and greater transport capacity. Additionally, the 300 bulk bags will help streamline collection (and storage) for the centre’s 68 waste pickers.

This support initiative once again highlights Petco’s objective to help advance South Africa’s collection and recycling value chain by equipping SMMEs with the tools they need to thrive and grow.