Johannesburg recycling: What are residents required to do?

Given just a few weeks to become "eco-compliant", Joburg residents will have to learn fast.
Have you heard the news? Residents of Johannesburg have just a few weeks to start recycling after city officials vowed to tackle the scourge of pollution.

In a media statement shared over the weekend, local authorities confirmed that a phased-in “separation at source” recycling programme would become mandatory for all households in the metropolitan area from Sunday 1 July onwards.

But what do JHB-dwellers need to know ahead of the proposed changes? We’ve put together a quick guide for those of you who need to adjust to “the new normal”:

What do we need to recycle?
These are the items you’ll have to keep separate from your household rubbish:

Plastics
Glass
Cell phones
Cans
Building rubble
Broken or disused vehicle parts
Garden waste
The caveats and nitty-gritty of what counts as a recyclable can be found here.

How do we “separate at source”?
The easiest way to comply with the city’s plans is to simply introduce another bin for your recyclables. Other methods include placing a separator in your bin, which divides it into two and allows space for household and recyclable rubbish.

Will our recycled rubbish be collected in Johannesburg?
We’re hoping to get more clarity over the next couple of days, but there’s been no confirmation of whether the local municipality will provide a recyclables collection. Private recycling pick-up organisations do operate in the area, though.

Companies like EcoMonkey and Mama She’s offer a kerbside collection service. EcoMonkey’s collection prices start at R85 a month and a more comprehensive service package can cost up to R1 700.

Once you sign up to EcoMonkey, you’ll be allocated a collection day. They require that your recyclable rubbish is left out before 7:00 on the day. Word to the wise: Go and put your bin out the night before, so you’re not waking up at stupid-o-clock.

Mama She’s are currently experiencing website maintenance but are still fully operational. Customers are required to buy blue recyclable bags (usually priced R20 in most supermarkets) and to put their non-household trash in there.

Blue bags must then be left outside ahead of your allocated collection day. If Mama She’s sounds like a better option, contact info@wasterecyclers.co.za for more details.

What areas will have recycling collections?
EcoMonkey: Douglasdale, Lonehill, Jukskei Park, Magaliesig, Dainfern, Olivedale, Sharonlea, Jukskei Park, Johannesburg North, Northwold, Kya Sands, Honeydew.

Mama She’s: Lonehill, Magaliessig, Fourways, Douglasdale, Norscot, Fourways Gardens, Cedar Lakes, Chartwell Country Estates, Witkoppen Ext. 3, Elma Park- Edenvale, Sunninghill, Paulshof, Edenburg-Rivonia and Bedfordview.

Where do we take our recyclables?
There are a number of locations Jozi residents could take their recyclable items. The MyWaste index is the easiest way to find a recycling centre near you. If it’s on your way to work or just around the corner, a private collection may not be required!

For things like cans and metals, you could even get a bit of money back for handing them in. Buy-back centres operate across the city and really can make your recycling experience even more worthwhile.