WASTE MATERIAL RECOVERY FACILITY (MRF) ACHIEVES REMARKABLE MILESTONE

As part of Langeberg Municipality’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, the R19 million Waste Material Recovery Facility (MRF) was opened in May 2024. In just nine months, the facility has already delivered a high return on investment, generating R1,019,320.00 through the sorting, baling, and sale of recyclable materials—a remarkable achievement!

The revenue generated is reinvested into the municipal budget, addressing critical infrastructure and service delivery priorities identified in the Municipality’s Integrated Development Plan (IDP).

Since its inception, the MRF has created 26 jobs, including 24 temporary general workers, one temporary supervisor, and one forklift operator. This dedicated team, together with the support of our community in providing household and business recyclables, has enabled Langeberg Municipality to sort and bale over 982.86 tons of recyclable materials since May 2024, far exceeding the initial target of 100 tons per month.

As a municipality, we are committed to reducing, reusing, and recycling waste to minimize the amount of waste reaching our landfill sites. The reality is that waste disposal facilities across South Africa, including ours, are rapidly reaching capacity. Through continued recycling efforts, we aim to extend the lifespan of our landfill sites and promote a cleaner, more sustainable future for all.

Since building new landfill sites is neither sustainable nor environmentally feasible, the new MRF, along with other waste minimization initiatives, marks a significant step toward preserving our environment and maximizing landfill capacity for future generations.

The MRF is located next to the transfer station on Abattoir Weg in Ashton and serves as a public drop-off point for the entire Langeberg Municipality, where residents can bring all recyclable materials.

Additionally, the municipality collects recyclables from households and businesses on designated waste collection days. These recyclables are then transported to the MRF for sorting, baling, and distribution to companies that use them as raw materials for manufacturing new products. Properly sorted recyclables have greater value and are widely accepted in the thriving recycling industry.

To make this initiative even more successful, we need your recyclable materials! Getting started is simple:

• Pick up a free clear plastic bag from your local municipal office.
• Fill the bag with paper, cardboard, plastic, tin, and glass waste (please rinse items before placing them in the bag).
• No need to put out recyclables every week—only once the bag is full, place it outside on your pavement, on top of or next to your wheelie bin, on waste collection days.
• In exchange, a new clear bag will be left at your home for your next batch of recyclables.