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Outstanding results for inaugural Separation-at-Source recycling project
Detpak took a significant step towards separation-at-source recycling through collaboration launched in August with a small business in the affluent Johannesburg neighbourhood of Parkview.
The initiative is part of the campaign to introduce greater recycling effectiveness in line with increasing public concerns about the environment. Up to now, the delivery of mixed waste materials at recycling plants has hampered efficiency. This can, however, be easily resolved and to dramatic effect – as Detpak is demonstrating - through education and the provision of adequate, low-cost facilities.
Launched as a trial, the project is being undertaken in collaboration with The Perfect Cup, a bustling coffee shop and roastery owned since 2010 by Michelle Dancer. The aim is to streamline the routing of used paper cups and lids between the primary user and a recycling plant, thereby reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
To achieve this, Detpak placed specially designed bins in front-of-house at the coffee shop. These have dedicated slots for used cups and lids, along with a separate slot for disposing of remaining liquids. This design intentionally makes it easy for customers to dispose of their items correctly, encouraging participation in the recycling process.
Once the bin reached capacity, it was emptied by staff and cleaned. The cups and lids were retained by the store until courier despatch, arranged by Detpak, to the recycling facility.
Since launch, The Perfect Cup has processed 895 cups in this way. Significantly, the figure highlights community willingness to engage in sustainable practices when the right resources are available.
The collaboration with The Perfect Cup represents an important and exciting milestone for Detpak. We are excited about the potential to scale this initiative and encourage more local businesses to participate. As such, enterprises keen to join this drive to sustainability and to find out how to go about it, should send email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
