Recycling brings positive economic impact in South Africa, survey finds

The results of the first annual SA Plastics Recycling survey recently released by South African Plastic Recycling Organization (Sapro) revealed positive economic impact brought to South Africa by recycling, a South African news website, Independent Online, reports.

According to the survey results, recycling an additional ton of waste would pay ZAR1,095 more in salaries, produce ZAR4,905 more in goods and services and generate ZAR1.3 million more in sales than disposing of it in a land fill.

Over the four years under review, which came to an end at the end of 2009, 165,772 tons or 28.9% of all plastic packaging were recycled, the survey found.

Also according to the survey, there are 200 to 220 plastics recycling manufacturers in South Africa. They employ 4,800 people (directly) and create 35,000 jobs (indirectly) with an annual payroll of ZAR250 million.