Working together to drive collection and recycling
Collector support and training
How we support collectors
Collectors – waste pickers, buy-back centres, co-operatives, SMMEs and waste management companies – are an important part of the collection and recycling value chain. They connect the efforts of consumers with the recyclers, ensuring that recyclable packaging is delivered to recycling companies. They, in turn, convert this material into a useable form and sell it on to manufacturers to use in the manufacture of new products.
Petco supports collectors of all sizes and levels of operation. We tailor our support, ensuring that fledgling businesses get the leg up they need, while established businesses are empowered to expand their reach and, ultimately, grow their collection volumes.
Infrastructure and equipment support
Petco supports projects by sponsoring infrastructure and equipment that unlocks collections, helping collectors to improve their efficiency as well as the quantity and quality of recyclables collected. We also assist in making it easier to transport and store these materials. Our support – in the form of trolleys, trailers, bulk bags, personal protective equipment (PPE), baling machines and other items – is given to waste pickers, buy-back centres, co-operatives, SMMEs and waste management companies.
Training and development
Petco partners with municipalities and other organisations to empower collectors through mentoring and training in entrepreneurship and enterprise development. By supporting the informal sector, Petco and partners encourage a fairer, legitimate position in the value chain for them. Petco also recognises the need to raise community awareness and to strengthen relationships with municipalities to encourage the establishment of kerbside collection projects and expand the collection of recyclables into new areas.
The waste picker service fee
Petco has made a considerable effort to integrate waste pickers and to assist with registering them on the South African Waste Picker Registration System (SAWPRS).
Through the system, registered individuals will receive a monthly waste picker service fee for their recyclables collected. Petco is working with various services providers to find the best trading systems and payment platforms to facilitate the payment of the fee.
