South Africa’s waste pickers are the backbone of the country’s recycling value chain and MetPac-SA continues to ensure they are recognised, protected and empowered as essential environmental service providers.
As part of its mandate as a Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) for the metals packaging industry, MetPac-SA has rolled out ongoing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) handovers, enterprise development support, skills training and infrastructure investment initiatives across the country, thereby reinforcing its commitment to building an inclusive circular economy.
“Waste pickers play an indispensable role in diverting valuable recyclable materials away from landfill and back into the economy. Without their daily efforts, we would not be able to achieve our recycling and collection targets. We therefore do not see waste pickers as informal bystanders in the system, but as key partners in the value chain who deserve grateful recognition, safety, dignity and fair compensation,” says Dr Kishan Singh, CEO of MetPac-SA.
National PPE Handovers Safeguard Health and Dignity
Through targeted partnerships with municipalities, recycling organisations and provincial stakeholders, MetPac-SA has conducted multiple PPE handovers around the country.
More than 1 773 waste pickers in 25 local municipalities and 5 provinces have already received critical protective gear that reduces exposure to hazardous materials, sharp objects and harsh weather conditions, such as overalls, gloves, boots, reflective vests, t-shirts and hats.
“These handovers go beyond equipment. They send a powerful message: we see you, we value you, and we are committed to walking this journey with you,” Dr Singh said.
Tools, Training and Enterprise Development
MetPac-SA’s support to waste pickers extends well beyond PPE. The organisation has also invested significantly in strengthening waste picker operations and SMME development through:
- Provision of tools of trade
- Installation of scales at buy-back centres
- Supply of baling machines
- Significant financial contributions toward the implementation of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF)
- SMME funding and enterprise development support nationwide
- Bursaries and targeted training programmes
- Support for registration on secure, cashless payment platforms to ensure transparent EPR service fee payments
These interventions are designed to formalise waste picker participation, improve income stability and enhance operational efficiency within the recycling value chain.
223 Jobs Created in 2025
Through its combined infrastructure investments, enterprise development initiatives and EPR-aligned programmes, MetPac-SA contributed to the creation of 223 jobs in 2025 alone — further demonstrating how environmental responsibility can directly drive socio-economic upliftment.
“We firmly believe that environmental sustainability and social upliftment must go hand in hand. By helping to improve the day-to-day operations of waste pickers through investing in equipment, infrastructure, funding and skills development, we are strengthening South Africa’s recycling ecosystem while creating real economic opportunity,” Dr Singh added.
Advancing an Inclusive Circular Economy
MetPac-SA continues to advance safer working conditions, fair compensation systems and long-term sector formalisation through aligning Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) implementation with practical, on-the-ground support. From PPE handovers and health campaigns to MRF funding, enterprise development and job creation, the organisation remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering the people who make recycling possible.
Concludes Dr Singh: “Waste pickers are environmental champions and MetPac-SA is proud to stand alongside them as we build a safer, fairer and more sustainable circular economy for South Africa.”
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Author: Keaoleboha Sefako from Aim Marketing & Communications Consultants on behalf of MetPac-SA.
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