Recycling plans boost Windvogel

A PORT Elizabeth woman's recycling buyback centre in the northern areas is not only combating illegal dumping, but is also feeding dozens of families.

Mary Phillips, 34, of Gelvandale, quit her job to educate people on the value of waste and how it can generate money for poor households.

From a wooden shack in Bethelsdorp Road in Windvogel, she collects recyclable waste from the community in exchange for money which most use for food.

And with R6 – R3 for four potatoes and R3 for a cup of rice – a family of four could easily afford a meal.

"Thirty two-litre cooldrink bottles, for example, amounts to a kilogram, which can easily pay out about R1," Phillips said.

"The more waste they collect, the more money they can earn for a meal. And at the same time, they help combat illegal dumping in the area."

Windvogel, between Missionvale and Hillside in the northern areas, has at least six areas where illegal dumping takes place.

Hoping to transform these eyesores into a waste-free paradise, Phillips plans on extending her centre into a manufacturing company which will employ more people from the suburb.

"Two years ago, I started out using my car to drive around the city to collect waste. From sorting hundreds of bags of waste with dirty nappies and beer bottles at beach clean-ups, I've managed to find ways to make some money so I can give others the opportunity to make a few rand too."

She is also involved with PE Mental Health in New Brighton where she passes on her recycling skills to the patients.

Her goal is to get all the schools in the northern areas on board, teaching children from a young age the value of waste.

"If kids are taught to take care for their environment early in life,perhaps our suburbs will be cleaner when they are adults. I might not make millions with what I do, but at least I make a difference," she said.

For Windvogel community leader James von Buchenroder, Phillips's idea is a brilliant way to fight illegal dumping.

"There are many ways to uplift the community, but this is the best way to uplift Windvogel. It's about time someone invested their time into helping us clean up our environment." - Alvené du Plessis