Who is Polyco?
Polyco PRO NPC is a non-profit company focused on making waste a valuable resource that works for our economy. We aim to grow the collection and recycling of plastic packaging in South Africa, to promote the responsible use and reuse of this plastic packaging and to end plastic waste in the environment. Our mission is to reduce the amount of plastic packaging going to landfill and to end plastic waste in the environment.
Polyco does this by collaborating with multiple stakeholders, by investing in recycling innovation and infrastructure in South Africa, and by educating both the industry and the consumer about recycling.
Our commitment to excellence has not only driven growth in the plastic packaging collection and recycling industry but has also strengthened our mission to combat plastic pollution. Through strategic investments in recycling infrastructure and initiatives across South Africa, we are making a tangible impact while educating both the industry and consumers about the importance of recycling.
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Where we invest
How we distribute EPR fees.
Polyco PRO NPC is a registered Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) dedicated to advancing the plastic recycling industry in South Africa. We achieve this by investing in recycling infrastructure, driving innovation, and educating both industry stakeholders and consumers about the importance of recycling. At the heart of our approach is a strong commitment to collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
Our members contribute an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fee for every tonne of designated plastic packaging introduced to the market. In return, Polyco ensures that their EPR obligations are effectively fulfilled, supporting a more sustainable and responsible recycling ecosystem.
Funding partner
Project investments.
Polyco invests in three key project divisions to expand plastic packaging collection and recycling in South Africa, ensuring compliance with legislated targets.
Polyco’s flagship collection initiative, focuses on communities in South Africa that have limited or no access to formal waste management and separation-at-source services. To help address this gap, Polyco supports local waste collection businesses with loans and grants—enabling them to expand their operations and increase collection volumes by integrating a Packa-Ching unit into their service offering.
Polyco supports projects that accelerate plastic collection and recycling in South Africa by promoting innovation and increasing production capacity through expansion. Eligible businesses must be established, and have the technical industry and equipment knowledge. To further boost impact, Polyco provides equipment support to collection and recycling businesses, helping them grow and operate more efficiently.
The Enterprise Business Development funding assists business development of SMMEs in South Africa’s recycling sector. Polyco assists companies with infrastructure implementation and equipment, educational initiatives and training focusing on women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Note that this funding is dependent on budget availability and Board Approval *
See our Project Partner highlights.
Where we invest
Waste Reclaimer Integration.
We provide dignity and support to Waste Reclaimers through initiatives and our waste reclaimer service fee.
waste reclaimer
Service Fee.
In terms of Section 5A (1) (p), our EPR scheme is required to compensate waste collectors, reclaimers who have registered with the National Registration Database for collection services and environmental benefits through a collection service fee. This is referred to as the waste reclaimer service fee.
collaboration
Women in Waste Support.
To support women in waste, we collaborated with the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) on its “Give Dignity” campaign. The campaign strives to bring relief and dignity to women Waste Reclaimers. Polyco supplied “dignity bags”, which included sanitary and hygiene products.
where do we invest
Investing in municipalities.
Under the EPR legislation, Polyco is tasked with cooperating with municipalities within three years of the implementation of our EPR scheme. As our various project investments are located across South Africa, we positively impact various municipalities in these areas. In addition, many developments are under way with regard to collaborating more directly with municipalities.
A direct municipal project that we have already launched is our Municipal Static Collection projects with the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM).
Working with District Municipalities around the country, Polyco provides training and support to new and existing Integrated Waste Management Plans.
For any information with regards to municipal support and collaboration kindly contact kabelo@polyco.co.za
Where we invest
Education and awareness.
Polyco treats education and awareness as one of our core pillars in growing the plastic recycling industry in South Africa. We focus our education and awareness initiatives on both the industry and the South African consumer, with a key focus on educating school children about plastic recycling in South Africa.
Awareness
For the consumer.
Polyco’s Million+ recycling campaign received over 1.5 million views of our content, and we launched a ‘How To Recycle’ series for home, work and school. We are driving this impact further through our Packa-Ching programme and other Polyco initiatives.
education
For schools.
Polyco’s educational resources spans from Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres to primary and high schools across South Africa.
We conduct engaging activations, distribute recycling infrastructure, and provide tailored educational materials to support environmental learning. Some of the bins we’ve supplied are made using over 8,000kg of recycled plastic—turning waste into tools for change. Each year, our programmes reach more than 2 million learners at more than 2,500 schools, helping to build a deeper understanding of plastic recyclability and responsible waste management.
SUPPORT
For the industry.
Polyco actively supports industry initiatives that advance plastic recycling in South Africa. This includes sponsorship of key events and awards that celebrate innovation and progress in the recycling space.
To further assist industry stakeholders, we’ve developed and funded a user-friendly, web-based platform—www.designedforearth.com—dedicated to promoting Design for Recycling principles, helping businesses create products that are easier to recycle.
We also provide ongoing education on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations to ensure industry compliance and to clarify Polyco’s role in driving growth within the plastics recycling sector.
Download our EPR Guidelines below.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT TEAM
Supporting Our Members
At Polyco, we have a dedicated Stakeholder Engagement team focused on supporting our members and building strong industry relationships.
One of the key ways we do this is through our Member Working Groups, which are organised by material type. These groups create space for open collaboration between Polyco and our members, helping to drive progress on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) goals.
Through these Working Groups, we share updates on recycling and collection targets, and work together to explore new opportunities that grow and strengthen the plastics recycling sector. Have questions or want to get involved?
Email our EPR team at epr@polyco.co.za
Our work
Polyco’s Annual Reviews.
Polyco is focused on key strategic pillars – we invest in recycling innovation for new end use market development, recycling infrastructure for capacity building and efficiency and recycling education and awareness in South Africa and we collaborate with multiple stakeholders to achieve success in these areas.
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