The role and linkages of buy-back centres in the recycling industry: Pretoria and Bloemfontein (South Africa)

Abstract

Purpose/objectives: The aim of this paper is to get a better understanding of the role and linkages of buy-back centres (BBCs) in the recycling industry. The first objective is to analyse the institutional profile of the BBCs in two different geographical areas -namely, Pretoria and Bloemfontein. The second objective is to discuss the role and linkages of BBCs with the informal sector activities and specifically the activities of street waste pickers. The third objective is to explain the linkages that exist between BBCs and recycling companies. Problem investigated:Recycling, and specifically the collection and sorting of waste, is currently receiving much attention on the national as well as municipal level. To understand the recycling industry, and to make informed policy decisions concerning the recycling industry, policy makers need to have an understanding of the role and crucial link of all role players in the industry. Knowledge on the BBCs, who act as a link between the formal and informal sector activities in the recycling industry, is of the utmost importance.Design/Methodology/Approach: A mixed method approach consisting of a quantitative survey coupled with qualitative questions was used. The mixed method approach is used to collect as much data as possible from the BBCs, which is beyond the scope of what a structured questionnaire on its own can achieve. A lack of accurate location information on BBCs necessitated an intensive search for BBCs in the two areas. Findings/Implications:The BBCs in Pretoria and Bloemfontein act as an important link between informal sector activities and recycling companies and therefore promote informal and formal job opportunities. Formal job opportunities are created at the BBC sites as well as formal jobs at the upper end of the recycling chain, namely at formal recycling companies. Informal income generating opportunities are created for the informal waste collectors. Any changes in the formal or informal recycling sectors will have a direct influence on the operations and existence of the BBCs. Originality/Value:The role of BBCs in the recycling chain has been neglected in the literature. This study is the first study on the linkages and role of BBCs in South Africa and addresses a gap in the literature. Conclusion:BBCs play an important role in creating formal jobs and informal income generating opportunities for the poor and unemployable. More research is needed to understand the industry and its role players. This study can form a basis for additional research in this field.

Enabling Factors for the Existence of Waste Pickers: A Systematic Review

“…Most of the studies consist of small samples and are localised to a city or to landfill sites. The article by Viljoen et al (2012) is the only one which focuses predominantly on the buy-back centres (BBCs) and provides good insight into the functioning of this important role player in the lives of the waste pickers. Nkosi (2006) is the only study determining whether the waste pickers have a significant impact on the reduction of the waste on the landfill sites, and influences and extends the life expectancy of the landfill sites.…”

“…Langenhoven and Dyssel (2007) cited the South African Yearbook 2000/2005 as indicating 37,000 waste pickers, while Schenck et al (2012) suggested that 70,000 waste pickers may be operating in South Africa. The study by Viljoen et al (2012) indicated that it is difficult to determine how many people are picking up waste on the streets and landfill sites of South Africa, as you cannot merely aggregate the number of waste pickers by the sales of their collections to the BBCs, as they sell to more than one company. Waste pickers enter and leave waste picking, and there are those who collect and sell only when they need additional income (Chvatal, 2010;Schenck & Blaauw, 2011a).…”

“…Suggestions therefore refer to the recognition of the waste pickers as significant role players in the broader waste management system (Langenhoven & Dyssel, 2007;Chvatal, 2010;Schenck et al, 2012;Viljoen et al, 2012). Oelofse and Strydom (2010) suggest that local government should incorporate the informal waste pickers into their strategic plans for waste collection and make them part of the operational waste collection system (Chvatal, 2010;Sobuce, 2012).…”

“… On an operational level the most important suggestion is for the public to "separate at source" (Sobuce, 2012;Viljoen et al, 2012). It is easier for street waste pickers to pick up bags of dry waste than having to scratch between the wet waste for the recyclables.…”

“…This process happens in tandem with the municipal waste systems that collect waste and either dump it on the landfill sites or, if organised, will recycle it to some extent and sell it to the recycling companies (Huegel, 2013;Samson, 2012;Schenck et al, 2012;Viljoen et al, 2012). The research question was therefore: "What factors will enable the functioning of the waste pickers in the waste system?"…”