RECYCLING is the process of converting waste materials that would usually
be thrown away into new useful products. The process reduces waste in the
environment and the cost associated with managing it.
It uses less energy and resources than making new products from virgin
material. A lot of our household waste can be broken down and reprocessed
to make new items.
The recycling process includes the following:
1) Waste separation and material recovery – The recycling process starts
with waste separation at the point of generation of waste. The materials are
taken to drop off or buy back centres before the main recycling facility.
2) Processing and manufacturing of recovered materials – At the recycling
centre, materials are further sorted and cleaned before processing into raw
materials that may include chips or pellets in the case of plastic. These raw
materials are manufactured into new or finished products.
3) Marketing of finished products – A lot of products nowadays contain full or
partial recycled content. With the rise in demand for environment friendly
products by consumers, many manufacturers are continuing to produce high
quality recycled products to meet demand, both local and international.
List of recyclable materials:
. Plastic
. Paper
. Cardboard
. Cans
. Batteries
. Glass
. Clothes
. Electronics
. Wood
. Metal
Why should we recycle?
1) Recycling promotes the circular economy which is one of the sustainable
economic models in which resources are kept in circulation for as long as
possible. This model results in waste minimisation and resource efficiency.
2) Recycling creates green jobs which is the employment along the whole
value chain.
3) Recycling conserves resources because when we recycle waste, it is
turned into new products. This means that we don’t have to use up more and
more natural resources in making new products. Instead, we can use old
recycled materials to create new products.
4) Recycling helps to protect the environment because we don’t have to
gather new raw materials which causes water and air pollution. Recycling also
saves energy which means it also reduces greenhouse gas emissions thus
combating climate change.
Recycling industries in Zimbabwe
There are over 71 organisations and corporates who are in the recycling value
chain in Zimbabwe. Most of these players are based in the major cities and
towns. The Environment Management Agency (EMA) compiled a Recycler’s
Directory which contains all the recyclers in the country. The directory is
available on the EMA website www.ema.co.zw.
Get in touch with us we are always ready to listen.
Email: eep@ema.co.zw or visit our website www.ema.co.zw. Toll free
line 08080028, sms/WhatsApp 0779569707, like our Facebook Page-
Environmental Management Agency or follow us on Twitter @EMAeep.
