South Africa measures plastic recycling's economic impact

By Jake Thomas, Resource Recycling

Two South African trade organizations have released the results of a first annual survey on plastics recycling in the country, revealing how the industry contributes to economic development and job creation.

The South African Plastics Recycling Survey, conducted by the South African Plastic Recycling Organization and the South African Plastics Federation, found that plastics recycling increased by 32 percent between 2005 and 2009. During this period, the survey also found that nearly 30 percent of all plastics packaging, over 165,000 tons, was recycled.

Additionally, the survey highlighted how recycling plastics is a driver of economic growth in the country. It found that recycling a ton of waste has twice the economic impact of burying it. Each ton of waste recycled, according to the survey, generates 1,095 South African Rand ($164) more in salaries versus disposal, and an additional 4,905 SAR ($727) in goods and services.

Currently, there are between 200 and 220 plastics recycling manufacturers in South Africa that employ 4,800 people.

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