Cape Town - Construction of the new recycling plant at the Coastal Park landfill in Muizenberg is on track to be completed this financial year, and is set to create at least 100 new job opportunities.
A project of the City’s Urban Waste Management Directorate, the material recovery facility (MFR) has BEEN EQUIPPED WITH STATE OF THE ART mechanical separation tools, including a bag splitter, magnetic separator, screens, conveyors and even baling systems.
MRFs are where clean and dry recyclables are sorted for resale to industries that can make use of the materials.
The facility is expected to sort up to 65 tons of recyclable material a day when it is running at full capacity, and will generate a minimum of 100 new job opportunities, further contributing to the local economy.
Mayco member for urban waste management Grant Twigg said the project was to transform waste management in Cape Town.
“By making recycling services more accessible, we’re taking a significant step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for our city.
“I’m excited about the positive impact this facility will have on Cape Town’s environment and its residents.
“When the Think Twice recycling collection service is expanded, I encourage new beneficiaries to do their part cleaning and separating recyclables from organic and general waste. Everyone has a role to play if we are going to turn the tide on waste,” said Twigg.
Mandy Marr, a ward councillor in Muizenberg, said: “There is some concern among members of the community that the jobs will not go to the local community, but I’ve assured them that local employment will be used.
“People are excited but I think that when they see the jobs being created, they’ll be more excited. We are probably going to be looking at creating more than 100 new jobs for the surrounding community.”
The City has meanwhile installed landfill gas infrastructure at the Bellville, Coastal Park and Vissershok landfill sites to reduce methane emissions, known to have a global warming potential approximately 25 times greater than carbon dioxide.
Two of the biggest planned capital expenditures proposed for the Urban Waste Management Directorate’s 2024/2025 draft budget are R180 million for upgrading plant and replacing vehicles and R9m for construction of a material recovery facility/mechanical biological treatment plant at the Athlone Refuse Transfer Station.
sibuliso.duba@inl.co.za
Cape Argus