P.E.A.C.E. Thinana Recycling CooperativeTransforming trash into cash for local communities



The enterprise trains staff and community members on waste collection and recycling. Through its purchasing scheme, it pays fulltime, contracted collectors and casual community collectors for waste collected from dumpsites and shopping centres. From its collection points, the waste is transported to its purchasing centre where it is sorted, weighed and baled for sale.
To meet the challenge of generating adequate waste volumes in rural recycling, the enterprise’s waste collectors use non-motorised trolleys and donkey carts, with animal care training provided to donkey owners.
The community is provided with permanent and casual jobs, with women occupying nine of the 13 jobs at the centre. A permaculture garden and student engagement programme serve to educate the community on environmental issues.
Partners
Planning, Education, Agriculture, Cooperatives and Environment Foundation Trust initiated the project, fundraises and supports monitoring and evaluation.
Thinana Waste Management and Recycling Cooperative is responsible for running the day-to-day business of the enterprise.
Blouberg Local Municipality supports the enterprise and provides waste transport services.
PET Recycling Company of South Africa (PETCO) has conducted training at the enterprise, and has assisted in opening up of markets to sell the waste.
SEED Library
Supporters

The 2015 SEED Awards in 2 South African provinces are supported by the Government of Flanders, which is active in Southern Africa.