Recycling initiative brings hope and cleanliness to Clayville community

Valumax, in collaboration with the Ekurhuleni local municipality, is supporting a grassroots recycling initiative in Clayville to promote environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

This initiative, driven by a team of 30 to 40 dedicated residents, aims to tackle waste management while providing financial benefits to local volunteers. The recycling initiative was born from the collective effort of local volunteers.

“We were approached by volunteers from the local community who wanted to start a recycling initiative to lower waste and keep their spaces clean,” said Valumax Director Francois Bekker. “Our staff have arranged for the recycled material to be taken to Phambili Services, and they pay the volunteers directly.”

Valumax and the local municipality have played crucial roles in the initiative’s success. Valumax has provided a designated area in Clayville for sorting recycled materials and has coordinated with Phambili Services for material collection and volunteer compensation. The local municipality is enhancing the initiative’s support by hiring volunteers on a three-year contract, providing wheelie bins, and promising additional assistance with a skip for future volunteers.

The volunteers, who manage the recycling efforts independently, were self-selected and were responsible for cleaning the development three times a week. “They assist Valumax with cleaning our development on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The recycling initiative is their own doing,” Bekker explained.

While the initiative has seen promising progress, it has not been without challenges. “Challenges include the need for Personal Protective Equipment and tools. We are trying to assist in this area, but the plan needs to be finalised,” Bekker noted.

This initiative not only promotes environmental sustainability but also fosters a sense of community and ownership among the residents.

“By supporting the recycling efforts, Valumax and the Ekurhuleni municipality are helping to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for Clayville, demonstrating a model of successful community engagement and our company’s social commitments,” he said.