The recycling industry and subsistence waste collectors: a case study of Mitchell’s Plain

Over and above its environmental advantages as a waste management strategy, recycling also has advantages for the creation of formal and informal employment. This paper reflects the findings of a survey undertaken in Mitchell’s Plain (Cape Metropolitan Area, South Africa) and examines the factors that impact on recycle-related employment tendencies and opportunities in this area. Mitchell’s Plain offers few employment opportunities. The paper argues in favour of recycling as a mechanism for the sustaining of livelihoods for impoverished microcollectors as well as small recycling-based entrepreneurs in the area and surrounding townships. The future growth of the recycling enterprises is linked to market trends. However, interventionist government policies may have a positive impact on the growth of the industry locally against the background of poverty alleviation, employment, spatial inequalities and environmental concerns. The paper draws on interviews with recycling companies and impromptu discussions with microcollectors. Bibliogr. [ASC Leiden abstract]