NATIONAL NEWS - Plastics SA and the packaging industry have initiated an annual Plastics SA Recycling Day which is held on 14 September, during Cleanup SA Week from 10 to 15 September.

The aim is to increase awareness by educating the community about the benefits of recycling, which are:

• Less energy is used when recycled materials are included in the manufacturing process.
• It benefits the South African economy as it decreases the necessity to import raw materials.
• Opportunities are created for income generation and alleviation of poverty through job creation.
• It prevents litter.
• It contributes to a cleaner, greener and healthier South Africa.
• Less waste results which creates more landfill space.
• We develop pride in our environment.
• It's your responsibility.

Recycling should not be restricted to your home. You can recycle at school and at the office as well.

At the office, determine what type of recyclable waste is mostly produced or available and ensure that everyone knows how the recycling project works. Identify a collector of recyclables who will collect or buy from your office, or a charity organisation that would benefit from the recyclables.

Identify which materials will be the easiest to recycle or collect and ensure that your office has a well managed storage facility for these articles.

Separate your waste - keep wet (waste) and dry (recyclables) apart.

Place your clearly labelled recycling bins in a designated area.