FAQs*
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Where do I start my recycling journey?
Great question! The very best starting point would be to purchase items that are packaged in recyclable packaging. Always check the back of items, and look for the on-pack recycling labels such as 'recyclable' or 'non-recyclable'. Choose PET bottles and jars, Tetra Pak and glass bottles.
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What is PET plastic?
PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) is the most recyclable of all plastics. It is one of the few substances that can be recycled into the same form. Look out for the PET symbol on all plastic bottles and packaging.​
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Do you provide recycling bags and bins?
We hope to be in a position to provide our regular supporters with bags in the future but, for now, clear recycling bags are available at BUCO Kenton-on-Sea, and the SPAR Sunshine Coast. Bins can be purchased from BUCO, or use a recycled box or crate. Put your clear recycling bag inside it, and you'll have a recycling bin.
Do I need to separate my recycling? It helps our staff enormously if you bring your material to the trailer or the recycling centre already sorted. The first step is to separate paper and cardboard items into one bag, and plastic, tins, cans and glass into another.
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How should we prepare our cardboard?
We need your cardboard clean and dry. We cannot process any material that is contaminated with food, or wet. We prefer to receive boxes that are empty and already flattened; they take up less space in our bakkies and are easier to transport. Please do your best to remove tape, staples and styrofoam/polystyrene packaging, which need to go into your general waste for collection on bin day. Remember that food-soiled and wet cardboard, which we can't take, makes a great composting material!
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How should we prepare our plastic, tins, cans and glass?
All materials should be rinsed, to remove contaminants. Caps and lids should be put back on bottles and jars, lids of food tins should be placed in the tin if fully removed. Please keep ring pulls on cans.
Why do we ask you to keep all lids and ring pulls on? Because there is less chance of them becoming litter.
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Can you take materials that don't have a recycling logo on them?
There are some materials which, although recyclable, do not carry a recycling logo. Bring them to us. We'll process them. If they explicitly say 'Do Not Recycle', they need to be disposed of with your general waste, on bin day.
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Why do I need to rinse/clean my recycling?
Rinsing/cleaning materials (use dishwashing water) before putting them in your recycling bags prevents pests at home and at the recycling centre, and creates a more dignified experience for our staff.
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Why recycle cardboard in Ndlambe?​
Whilst cardboard is not as harmful to the environment as plastic, it takes a lot of space and is the leading cause of illegal landfill fires, as pickers and site managers invariably burn the cardboard to make space for other materials. Every recycled ton (1000kgs) of cardboard saves almost 7 cubic metres of landfill space; thats the equivalent of a Toyota Fortuner!​ A ton of recycled cardboard saves almost 25% of the energy required to make new cardboard, 2,750 litres of water, 390kWh or energy and 174 litres of oil.
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Why doesn't the municipality collect recycling?
The municipality does not have the capacity to currently operate a separate recycling function, and that is why we are filling the gap.
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Why can't I leave my recycling with my rubbish?
You can, but each and every piece of material that is put out with your general waste on bin day is sent to the Alexandria landfill. Cardboard and plastic, tins, cans and glass that could be recycled are then removed from the circular economy, increasing the strain on natural resources. As cardboard is bulky it takes up a lot of room and is often illegally burned at the dump. Not great for the residents of Alexandria.
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What happens to the materials you cannot recycle?
We check through all of the material we receive. Anything that cannot be recycled is added to the municipal skips, destined for the Alexandria landfill.
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Is the Bushmans Recycling Centre open in bad weather?
Our recycling centre is open, whatever the weather, unless is is unsafe for our staff and contractors to be working.
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Does your trailer operate in bad weather?
The PETCO trailer operates according to it's schedule, unless there are high winds and very heavy rain when we cannot risk our trailer on the roads. High winds increases the potential of littering, and rain turns cardboard into a soggy mess that is not recyclable.
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*Frequently Asked Questions
WE NEED YOU, AND YOU NEED US!
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