Advancing the Circular Economy: Cape Town's Innovative Waste Recyclers' Map - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Advancing the Circular Economy: Cape Town’s Innovative Waste Recyclers’ Map

4 mins read
circular economy waste management Cape Town

Cape Town has launched an interactive Waste Recyclers’ Map that connects residents and businesses to certified private recycling service providers. The initiative promotes eco-conscious and sustainable waste management practices by simplifying the process of locating recycling facilities for a wide range of recyclable materials. The city’s commitment to advancing a circular economy through the Waste Recyclers’ Map serves as an example for other cities and nations to follow, highlighting the power of innovation, collaboration, and community involvement in promoting sustainable waste management practices.

What is Cape Town’s Waste Recyclers’ Map?

Cape Town’s Waste Recyclers’ Map is an interactive platform that connects residents and businesses with certified private recycling service providers. The map accommodates a wide range of recyclable materials and simplifies the process of locating recycling facilities, promoting eco-consciousness and sustainable waste management practices. The initiative reflects the city’s commitment to advancing a circular economy and serves as an example for other cities and nations to follow.

Paving the Way for Sustainable Waste Management

Cape Town has recently introduced a groundbreaking initiative to promote the growth of a circular economy in South Africa. By launching the Waste Recyclers’ Map, city officials aim to connect inhabitants and businesses with certified private recycling service providers, significantly decreasing waste generation and promoting eco-friendly practices.

Originating from the National Waste Management Strategy’s primary goals, the establishment of a circular economy surpasses the conventional linear method where resources are extracted, utilized, and disposed of. Instead, this inventive economic system supports a closed-loop model, emphasizing waste prevention, reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling. Cape Town’s recent implementation of the Waste Recyclers’ Map plays a vital role in enabling this fundamental shift.

The interactive map, accessible to both residents and businesses, allows users to find and engage with certified private recycling service providers in their local area. The platform accommodates a broad range of recyclable materials, such as electronic waste, textiles, batteries, plastic, glass, paper, construction debris, wood, timber, tires, rubber, metals, oil, paper-based cartons, and organic waste.

Streamlining Access to Recycling Services

In addition, the Waste Recyclers’ Map enables users to determine if their location qualifies for the City’s Think Twice service—an initiative devised to encourage recycling and waste reduction. By simplifying the process of locating recycling facilities and fostering eco-consciousness, Cape Town makes substantial progress towards a sustainable future.

Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, highlighted the potential for expansion and job creation within Cape Town’s flourishing private waste management sector. He maintained that the Waste Recyclers’ Map functions as an invaluable resource for supporting this growth by linking waste producers with organizations capable of deriving value from discarded materials. Twigg called on all residents and businesses to explore environmentally friendly waste disposal alternatives, particularly those not currently participating in the municipal recycling program.

The Waste Recyclers’ Map can be accessed here, and users are encouraged to bookmark it in their internet browser for convenient access. Recycling collectors and buy-back centers interested in being featured on the map can request an application form by emailing re.cycling@capetown.gov.za or completing the online form here.

Setting a Global Example

Cape Town’s Waste Recyclers’ Map demonstrates the city’s commitment to advancing a circular economy and endorsing sustainable waste management practices. By utilizing technology and involving the community, this project has the potential to transform the way resources are consumed and waste is managed in the city, leading to a cleaner, greener future.

As the circular economy gains momentum worldwide, Cape Town’s Waste Recyclers’ Map serves as an example for other cities and nations to follow. By providing citizens with comprehensive and easily accessible information about recycling services, city officials show their determination to create a sustainable, environmentally mindful community. This cutting-edge approach to waste management reflects a broader global movement towards adopting sustainable practices and transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.

Harnessing the Power of Innovation

The tangible benefits of implementing the Waste Recyclers’ Map, such as job creation, reduced waste generation, and preservation of valuable resources, mark a significant milestone on Cape Town’s path towards sustainability. This progressive initiative has promising implications for the city’s future as it strives to become a leader in waste management and the circular economy.

In conclusion, Cape Town’s Waste Recyclers’ Map exemplifies the power of innovation, collaboration, and community involvement in promoting sustainable waste management practices. This trailblazing tool has the potential to inspire other cities and countries to adopt similar measures, contributing to the global transition towards a circular economy and shaping a greener, more sustainable world for generations to come.

1. What is Cape Town’s Waste Recyclers’ Map?

Cape Town’s Waste Recyclers’ Map is an interactive platform that connects residents and businesses with certified private recycling service providers. The map accommodates a wide range of recyclable materials and simplifies the process of locating recycling facilities, promoting eco-consciousness and sustainable waste management practices.

2. What is the primary goal of the National Waste Management Strategy?

The primary goal of the National Waste Management Strategy is to establish a circular economy that emphasizes waste prevention, reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling.

3. What kind of recyclable materials does the Waste Recyclers’ Map accommodate?

The Waste Recyclers’ Map accommodates a broad range of recyclable materials, such as electronic waste, textiles, batteries, plastic, glass, paper, construction debris, wood, timber, tires, rubber, metals, oil, paper-based cartons, and organic waste.

4. What is Cape Town’s Think Twice service?

Cape Town’s Think Twice service is an initiative devised to encourage recycling and waste reduction. Users of the Waste Recyclers’ Map can determine if their location qualifies for this service.

5. How can recycling collectors and buy-back centers be featured on the Waste Recyclers’ Map?

Recycling collectors and buy-back centers interested in being featured on the map can request an application form by emailing re.cycling@capetown.gov.za or completing the online form on the City of Cape Town’s website.

6. What potential benefits does the Waste Recyclers’ Map offer?

The Waste Recyclers’ Map has tangible benefits, such as job creation, reduced waste generation, and preservation of valuable resources, marking a significant milestone on Cape Town’s path towards sustainability.

7. How does the Waste Recyclers’ Map reflect a broader global movement?

The Waste Recyclers’ Map reflects a broader global movement towards adopting sustainable practices and transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.

8. What can other cities and nations learn from Cape Town’s Waste Recyclers’ Map?

Other cities and nations can learn from Cape Town’s Waste Recyclers’ Map and the city’s commitment to advancing a circular economy by providing citizens with comprehensive and easily accessible information about recycling services, promoting sustainable waste management practices, and involving the community.

Previous Story

A Summer to Remember: Radisson RED Waterfront Brings Festive Fun in Cape Town

Next Story

Invitation for Technical Tax Proposals: Shaping South Africa’s 2024 Budget

Latest from Blog

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.