The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) is not only championing the cause of glass recycling but is also calling on entrepreneurs to explore the possibilities of establishing their very own buy-back centres and reap the rewards of glass recycling on a larger scale.
Buy-back centres serve as vital intermediaries, connecting glass collectors with the industries responsible for transforming waste glass into new glass bottles. They also give a voice to the informal sector, which is made up of waste pickers and collectors earning a source of income, while bridging the formal sector, which is represented by the glass industry.
According to TGRC, more glass buy-back centres are required to support the growing glass collection sector. As a result, now is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to establish themselves in the market by establishing their own buy-back centres.
However, what would be the best way for one to launch their own buy-back centre?
As a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for glass recycling in South Africa, The Glass Recycling Company offers advice on how to start and manage your own buy-back centre and also offers recommendations on how to do so effectively. The only thing entrepreneurs need to do in the glass recycling sector is:
- state how much glass they can collect
- indicate their glass sources, and
- comply with municipal regulations.
Additionally, TGRC offers support to help entrepreneurs kick-start their businesses and grow, such as:
- glass collection bags
- equipment
- safety gear
- scales, and
- skip bins.
Centralising recycling efforts by offering glass recycling as a service at current buy-back centres that do not handle glass would be another option to get involved.
We also encourage existing buy-back centres to consider expanding their offerings to include glass recycling services. By doing so, you can provide a one-stop shop for glass collectors, streamlining the recycling process and increasing your profitability. This expansion will not only benefit your business but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable South Africa.
TGRC is also working to expand the network of buy-back centres, creating more opportunities for entrepreneurs. Many centres now offer glass collection services at central locations, sparing collectors the need for arduous trips to the centres themselves.
Buy-back centres represent an indispensable component of a thriving recycling system, serving as a crucial link between the formal and informal sectors. In doing so, they contribute to a healthier economy and enhance the overall well-being of South Africa's communities. Buy-back centres are a vital force for good in our recycling ecosystem.