African Reclaimers Organisation

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African Reclaimers Organisation

We are responsible for collecting 80-90% of used packaging collected for recycling in SA

African Reclamers Organisation was formed after reclaimers demanded to be included in the waste management system. being recognised and by all stakeholders including the city is one of our key elements

31/03/2026

Many people don’t see what happens after waste leaves their bins. But across our cities, landfills are filling up and some are already closing.

When recyclable materials like paper, plastic, glass and cans are thrown away with general waste, they end up buried instead of being reused. This uses valuable landfill space much faster and increases environmental risks for nearby communities.

Reclaimers help reduce this pressure by recovering recyclable materials every day. Their work keeps valuable resources in circulation and supports livelihoods.

One simple habit can make a real difference: separate recyclables from general waste at home.

Better recycling today helps protect our environment and our communities tomorrow.

30/03/2026

Johannesburg’s landfills are nearing capacity — and reclaimers are already feeling the impact. 🚯

As landfill sites close or restrict access, reclaimers face sudden income loss and growing uncertainty. Yet these same reclaimers help reduce landfill waste every day by recovering recyclable materials.

The real solution lies in separation at source.

When communities separate recyclables from general waste, reclaimers can collect more materials before they reach landfill. This protects livelihoods while helping cities manage waste more sustainably.

Landfill closures show why inclusive waste systems matter.

Reclaimers, communities and cities must work together to keep recyclables in circulation and waste out of landfill.

Read more:
https://groundup.org.za/article/waste-reclaimers-demand-promised-social-plan-as-johannesburgs-landfills-near-capacity/

23/03/2026

Reclaimers are turning trash into opportunity. ♻️

Every day, these waste warriors recover recyclable materials that might otherwise end up in landfill. Their work reduces landfill pressure while supporting families and strengthening the recycling economy.

But reclaimers cannot do this alone.

When households separate recyclables at source, reclaimers can collect and sort materials more safely and efficiently. Clean recyclables mean less waste buried in landfill and more resources returned to the economy.

This is what inclusive recycling looks like: reclaimers, residents and communities working together.

When reclaimers thrive, recycling works and neighbourhoods stay cleaner.

Read more:
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-12-24-brixtons-waste-warriors-turning-trash-into-opportunity-and-resilience/

21/03/2026

As we mark Human Rights Day, we are reminded that dignity, safety and fair opportunity should be part of every job, including the work of reclaimers who help keep our cities clean.

At the same time, our landfills are reaching capacity, and some are already closing. Too many recyclable materials are still being thrown away with general waste, ending up buried instead of reused.

When communities separate recyclables at source, reclaimers can recover materials more safely and keep valuable resources out of landfill.

Protecting the environment and protecting livelihoods go hand in hand.

This Human Rights Day, choose a simple action that supports both: separate your waste.

Read more and sign the petition:
https://awethu.amandla.mobi/petitions/stop-the-landfill-crisis-protect-our-city-and-the-environment?share=e0a5d860-7455-47a9-8136-65e4ea5f33df&source=email&utm_medium=&utm_source=email

20/03/2026

Landfills across our city are reaching capacity and some are already closing. 🚯

Too many recyclable materials are still being thrown away with general waste. When recycling isn’t separated properly, it ends up buried in landfill instead of returning to the economy. This increases pollution and shortens the life of landfill sites.

Reclaimers help slow this crisis by recovering recyclables every day. But their work becomes safer and more effective when waste is separated at source.

Clean paper, plastic, glass and cans can be recycled instead of buried.

This is about healthier neighbourhoods, dignified livelihoods and protecting our city’s future.

Recycle right. Separate at source.

Read more and sign the petition:
https://awethu.amandla.mobi/petitions/stop-the-landfill-crisis-protect-our-city-and-the-environment?share=e0a5d860-7455-47a9-8136-65e4ea5f33df&source=email&utm_medium=&utm_source=email

02/03/2026

Recycling education builds long-term change. 📚♻️

When children learn how to recycle correctly and respect reclaimers, they grow into adults who care for their environment and their communities. Schools and households play a vital role in shaping cleaner, healthier futures for everyone.

Teaching that waste has value and that the people who recover it deserve dignity and respect, it helps build responsible habits from a young age.

Let’s keep learning, sharing and leading by example. Education today lays the foundation for sustainability tomorrow and stronger communities for the future.

23/02/2026

Waste crises aren’t solved by bigger landfills, they’re solved by fair systems. ♻️

Reclaimer-led recycling keeps valuable materials in circulation, reduces pressure on landfills and protects livelihoods that thousands of families depend on. When reclaimers are ignored, the costs are shifted onto communities, public health and the environment.

Real solutions put people first. Inclusive recycling systems recognise reclaimers as essential workers and partners in keeping cities clean and liveable.

This February, let’s keep advocating for public, people-centred solutions that work for residents, reclaimers and the future of our cities.

20/02/2026

Plastic doesn’t belong in our streets or rivers. 🌍♻️

When residents separate plastics at home, reclaimers can recover valuable materials before they reach landfills or pollute waterways. This simple action reduces environmental harm while supporting dignified livelihoods.

Plastic-free communities are built through partnership, households doing their part, reclaimers collecting and sorting safely, and municipalities enabling systems that work.
When we work together, we protect our rivers, keep neighbourhoods cleaner and strengthen local recycling systems.

This February, recycle plastics properly and show respect for the people who make recovery possible every day.

16/02/2026

Behind every recycled item is a reclaimer, and their safety matters. 🧤♻️

Reclaimers work long hours to keep recyclables out of landfills and our neighbourhoods cleaner. Yet their work often exposes them to avoidable risks.
Access to proper PPE, safe sorting spaces and fair, inclusive systems turns this hard work into dignified livelihoods.

When reclaimers are protected, recycling systems become more reliable and communities benefit through cleaner streets and healthier environments.

This February, let’s keep pushing for safer working conditions, respect on the streets and recognition for the people who make recycling possible every day.
A just recycling system always puts people first.

14/02/2026

This Valentine’s Day, show some love to your city. 💚♻️

Recycling right is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to care for your community. When residents separate waste at source, reclaimers can work more safely, earn more reliably and keep streets cleaner for everyone.

Love isn’t only flowers and chocolates. It’s everyday actions that protect people, livelihoods and the planet we all share. Small habits at home can create lasting change across neighbourhoods.

This February, choose recycling as an act of love, for your city, for reclaimers and for the future we’re building together.

10/02/2026

February is a great time to keep low-waste habits going. 🌱♻️
Simple actions like separating recyclables, refusing single-use plastics and reusing what you can make a real difference.
These everyday choices reduce pressure on landfills and directly support reclaimers who keep our recycling systems running.

When recyclables are clean and sorted, reclaimers can work more safely and earn better incomes. Zero waste isn’t about being perfect, it’s about progress, consistency and respect for the people doing essential work on our streets every day.

Let’s continue building cleaner, healthier neighbourhoods together, one small habit at a time.

06/02/2026

Reclaimers are often overlooked climate workers. 🌍♻️

Every bottle, can and box they recover reduces landfill emissions, cuts pollution and keeps valuable materials in circulation.
Their daily work plays a direct role in climate action while keeping neighbourhoods cleaner and healthier for everyone.

Recognising reclaimers as environmental workers means investing in safer working conditions, fair pay and proper infrastructure that supports dignified livelihoods.
Climate solutions cannot succeed without the people already doing the work on our streets.

This February, let’s broaden the climate conversation and put people at the centre of environmental action.

Address

Johannesburg Central

Telephone

+27603215800

Website

https://www.africanreclaimers.org/

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