AfriForum sets up 36th recycling station in Kempton Park

AfriForum’s Kempton Park branch set up its 36th recycling station in the city on 8 July to help the community amidst the current waste disposal crisis. The branch began placing these stations in various dedicated areas in Kempton Park where the community can dispose of recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, glass and metal in 2016. The aim of this recycling project is to reduce the pressure on the overcrowded landfill sites.

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality has been struggling for the past few years with the management of waste removal services – from collection to processing, which has consequently put more pressure on the capacity of landfills. This ultimately leads to illegal dumping of waste in residential areas and open land, which poses a health risk. It also poses a fire hazard, especially during dry seasons.

The recycling stations are located on the premises of various schools and churches, creating an opportunity for community involvement. Learners can participate in the project from a young age, enabling them to learn more about recycling and how it contributes to a cleaner environment. Private institutions service the stations on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.

“There is an environmental crisis due to the overcrowded landfill sites in Ekurhuleni. We can no longer rely on the Ekurhuleni Metro to bring their waste removal services up to standard. It is in AfriForum’s interests to ensure that people have the right to a healthy environment, which is why the recycling project focuses not only on the present but also on the future,” says Nadia Olckers, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for the East Rand.

The Kempton Park community can contact the AfriForum branch for more information about the recycling stations. See contact details below.