The Polyco-supported mobile separation-at-source collection business, Packa-Ching, develops business enterprises who collect used recyclable packaging material from the public in low income and informal areas, areas that are often overlooked with regard to recycling. It has paid out a total of over R19 million and collected over 19 million kilograms of recyclable packaging material.
Packa-Ching aims to reduce the amount of recyclable waste entering landfills or being discarded in the environment and to increase collection and recycling rates in South Africa by showing that used recyclable packaging has a monetary value. Packa-Ching collects used recyclable packaging material from the public in low income and informal areas, areas that are often overlooked with regard to recycling education, recycling infrastructure and recycling services, and pays them for it. Each kilogram of recyclable material brought to a Packa-Ching unit is weighed and paid for via a cashless payment system. Only a standard cellphone is needed to use the service and receive these funds, making it accessible to everyone. The payments are enabled by a technology-based weigh-and-pay system, allowing the initiative to be mobile and cashless.
