The Glass Recycling Company’s progressive impact on glass recycling
Johannesburg, 25 March 2025; The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC), a not-for-profit Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) focussed on the recycling of glass packaging, recently unveiled its past year’s successes. This showcases a year marked by substantial progress in sustainability and waste reduction within the glass packaging industry.
TGRC’s efforts showcase a robust trajectory. Achieving an impressive 8% year-on-year increase in collection rates, the glass collection rate climbed to 53.41%, up from 44.31%, and the glass tonnage collected grew by more than 17%. These achievements come even in the absence of a mandatory separation at source policy, a measure TGRC vigorously supports to legislate recycling practices.
Under the leadership of CEO Shabeer Jhetam, TGRC is widening the scope of recycling initiatives. “Our mission goes beyond conventional approaches, fostering collaborative ties across various sectors – from households and hospitality venues to manufacturers, waste collectors and municipalities,” states Jhetam. “By advocating for responsible recycling practices and aligning with stringent regulatory frameworks, we’re steering South Africa towards a greener future.”
Additional Achievements:
- TGRC has bolstered the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, achieving 90% compliance for all glass placed on the market, highlighting a collaborative success within the industry. EPR remains a cornerstone of TGRC’s strategy, promoting a circular economy where waste is not merely discarded, but reimagined as a valued resource. This principle is pivotal in advancing sustainable manufacturing and reducing environmental footprints.
- Support for entrepreneurs: Through substantial support to entrepreneurs, TGRC aims to ensure the sustainability of recycling operations and ensure an income for entrepreneurs, particularly within disadvantaged communities. A standout achievement of the year was the support extended to 118 entrepreneurs, 41 of whom were newcomers to the industry, with a notable 79% hailing from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. These efforts underscore TGRC’s commitment to fostering economic opportunities and community upliftment through sustainable practices.
- Annual Schools Competition: Schools from across the country eagerly embarked on a journey of glass recycling. The competition awarded over R500 000 in cash prizes, and participants collected nearly 2 million bottles, equivalent to the weight of nearly 300 cars. Historically, schools use their winnings to upgrade their facilities, enhance their sporting grounds, for educational supplies, as well as contributing to local feeding schemes. The competition teaches new generations the principles of recycling.
- Empowering glass collectors and waste pickers: With a new Cash4Glass payment system in partnership with Ardagh Glass, TGRC aims to integrate waste pickers fully into the recycling economy, acknowledging their crucial role in the sector. TGRC’s network now includes over 50,000 active collectors. Over the past year, the company has fortified the infrastructure of glass collectors and buy-back centres, equipping them with the necessary tools and insights to succeed in a burgeoning industry. “We believe in empowering entrepreneurs through these centres, a vital component of the recycling ecosystem,” Jhetam added.
“The economic impact of the glass recycling industry, which injects over R300-million into the economy annually, highlights the imperative of collective action in our sustainability efforts,” remarked Jhetam.
Looking forward, TGRC is dedicated to enhancing its recycling initiatives and supporting the broader adoption of policies that favour a circular economy, ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations. For more information, please visit TGRC’s website, LinkedIn or Facebook page.