With heart, hustle and three trucks, this Cape Town entrepreneur is proving that glass isn’t just recyclable – it’s a catalyst for change.
At 64, Gershwin Kohler isn’t slowing down, he’s picking up the pace. From his home in Belhar, Cape Town, he runs Blue Sky Recycling, a business that now collects glass from over 2,000 township homes every day. What began as a one-ton bakkie and trailer has grown into three crane-mounted trucks, a fully established warehouse, and a steadily expanding operation that is transforming local recycling.
“My family says Blue Sky keeps me young at heart,” Gershwin laughs. His wife, who manages the finance side of the business, is earning an income from her role. Beyond covering the basics of his own daily living, Gershwin ensures his independent children and extended family benefit too – supporting them with stipends and grants.
Before founding Blue Sky Recycling (BSR) in 2012, Gershwin worked in an NGO environmental programme, where he gained knowledge in multi-stream recycling. That experience, paired with his community-driven approach, became the foundation of Blue Sky Recycling. For Gershwin, the heart of recycling isn’t just the material, it’s the people behind it.. “I love this work because of the people,” he says. “We’ve created jobs, helped others launch their own recycling enterprises, and given families a way to put food on the table. Our business exists because of loyal, hardworking customers – and we make sure they feel valued and rewarded for their efforts.”
Why glass? Because it’s infinitely recyclable, without ever losing quality. It’s easy to sort, easy to process, and never goes to landfill if handled right. “Glass is a hero,” Gershwin explains. “It’s durable, valuable, and good for the planet. Every bottle recycled is one less polluting our streets.”
With backing from The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC), including start-up support such as bags, bins, protective gear and later subsidies to scale collections, Gershwin built a model that put power in the hands of everyday residents. His team has even helped launch a women-run cooperative in Philippi that now operates independently.
“Recycling is a scale business,” he advises future entrepreneurs. “Start small, know your numbers, and serve your community with integrity. That’s what’s kept us going.”
Gershwin sees Blue Sky’s journey as proof that sustainable livelihoods can grow from passion, persistence, and partnerships. “We conduct our business with integrity,” he says. “We’re passionate about people, and we’ll always put community first.”
Join Gershwin and thousands of South Africans who are transforming waste into jobs, cleaner communities and a greener future. Whether you want to start your own glass recycling business or simply help make a difference, TGRC is here to support you every step of the way. Visit www.tgrc.co.za or WhatsApp 073 809 8467 – because together, we can build a cleaner, more sustainable South Africa.