![\"recycling](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/bins-1x560-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nAt Crush, we’re all about green living, so we\u2019ll be taking a dumpster dive and looking at how we could reduce our carbon footprint and recycle more efficiently. Because each country has a different recycling system, we\u2019ll tell you what you should be recycling in South Africa. While recycling seems fairly simple, there are nuances to the trash game. Just like products contain multiple ingredients, packaging is composed of different materials \u2013 some of them not being recyclable, which is often overlooked.<\/p>\n
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For example, you might not be aware that having a tiny bit of peanut butter at the bottom of your recyclable jar makes it non-recyclable. If you\u2019re starting to feel guilty about not doing your part, we\u2019re not here to scare you into ethical overwhelm<\/a>, but rather to fill you in on what and why you should recycle.<\/p>\n The harsh reality is that we don\u2019t have an endless supply of resources on earth. Many of the resources that we do have are non-renewable, meaning we should make better efforts to use sustainable energy resources. It also helps minimise landfill waste, which is important for wildlife conservation, as well as creating a circular economy<\/a>.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s dispose of the mentality that it\u2019s the waste-collectors job to take care of the trash and our only responsibility is to make sure we place our bins outside our properties. In order to sustain our earth, we need to encourage and action better sustainable practices.<\/p>\n Here’s what you can recycle in South Africa…<\/p>\n Recycling metal is quite simple. The only thing that you need to be wary of is rusted metals, as very few depots are able to recycle them.<\/p>\n When it comes to recycling in SA, we get to look at the glass both half-empty and half-full. According to Consol<\/a>, we consume over 3.1 tonnes of glass and that\u2019s just in one year, it goes without saying that this is a glass-half-empty dilemma.<\/p>\n If we look at the glass half-full, two-thirds of what we consume is actually recyclable; this should encourage everyone to recycle, especially glass.<\/p>\n Recycling glass isn\u2019t just a matter of tossing it in the trash, you need to ensure that the contents of the bottle have been emptied and the insides of the bottles are dry.<\/p>\n Being an online publication, we\u2019d highly recommend the shift to digital if you run a business. Besides being used as a communication medium, paper plays a vital role in our lives, from protecting food to displaying key information on products. When it comes to recycling paper<\/a>, it’s important that the fibres remain intact, as moisture degrades the quality.<\/p>\n Image source: Fibre Circle<\/p><\/div>\n Most plastics are made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and are recyclable up to eight times, according to Plastics SA<\/a>, but it\u2019s rather difficult for smaller recycling companies to recycle, as the process requires special equipment. Another reason to lead a plastic-free lifestyle is the fact that plastic is made using oil, which is a non-renewable source.<\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to minimise your plastic waste when it comes to cleaning and hygiene products, you can refill your cleaning products at The Green Tap<\/a>, which is an eco-friendly refill store.<\/p>\n Not sure what to do with your faulty laptop or busted batteries? Don\u2019t worry, e-waste is totally recyclable.<\/p>\n Batteries are an entirely different story \u2013 because they are toxic and contain chemicals, it\u2019s important to remove them from electronic devices and place them separately from the rest of your trash. We would highly recommend purchasing the rechargeable kind. Not only are they more eco-friendly, they have a longer lifespan too.<\/p>\n TIP:<\/strong> Different battery types should not be grouped together, as they could short-circuit. Lithium batteries are highly reactive compared to other battery types, and should be discarded separately. If etched to the hardware, you would need a private recycler to detach and dispose of it…<\/p>\n But what about old batteries and compact fluorescent lightbulbs? Certain local retails have designated drop-off sites where you can discard them responsibly. Visit a Pick n Pay<\/a> or Woolworths<\/a> battery recycling site near you.<\/p>\n Some materials not listed above which are not recyclable in SA include: ceramics and pyrex.<\/p>\nWhy is Recycling Important?<\/h3>\n
![\"recycling](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/waste-collectors-1x560-1.jpg\")
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\nWhat Can I Recycle in South Africa?<\/h3>\n
Metal<\/h4>\n
![\"metal](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/metal-recycling-1x560-1.jpg\")
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\nGlass<\/h4>\n
![\"recycling](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/glass-bottles-1x560-1.jpg\")
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\nPaper<\/h4>\n
![\"recycling\"](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/paper-1x560-1.jpg\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Fibre-Circle-Recycling-English_we-recycle-in-our-home_1x65.jpg\")
\nPlastic<\/h4>\n
![\"plastic](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/plastic-recycling-1x560-1.jpg\")
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\nElectronics & Batteries<\/h4>\n
![\"battery-recycling\"](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/battery-recycling.jpg\")
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\nOther Materials<\/h4>\n
![\"recycling](\"https:\/\/test10.co.za\/C\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/recycling-1x560-1.jpg\")
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