Where To Recycle In South Africa
Aiden van WykAs a consumer committed to sustainability - you walk a tightrope.
On one side, you want products delivered safely - which usually means glass bottles, sturdy cardboard, and the occasional reinforced plastic. On the other, you want to avoid unnecessary packaging and support businesses with the lightest possible carbon footprint. Balancing both isn't easy.
At Essentially Natural, we've made conscious choices to ease that balance:
- carbon-neutral shipping
- going almost completely paper-free (you'll notice invoices have disappeared from your parcels)
- working with local recycling plants and suppliers who share our values
But once that bottle leaves our warehouse, its future is in your hands.
That's why we want to equip you with the know-how to recycle with confidence - so that together we're each doing our part to close the loop, reduce waste, and give back to the earth.
Why We Can't Recycle For You
It might seem simpler if you could just send your empty bottles and boxes back to us. We already have recycling partners, and we'd happily take the extra step.
The problem? Transport.
Shipping packaging back and forth across the country - like from Limpopo to Cape Town - creates more carbon emissions than the recycling would save. In other words, the very act of returning it cancels out the good intention.
Sure, we could "offset" those extra emissions by purchasing more carbon credits. But let's be honest: that adds costs no one wants, and it's not the most effective way to help the planet.
Instead, the greener (and easier) option is to recycle your packaging locally. That way, you cut out unnecessary transport, reduce emissions, and keep the recycling loop simple.
The Option Before Recycling
It's easy to think that once your bottle of batana oil or a 5 KG tub of Epsom salts is empty, it's useless.
But a great way to reduce waste is to:
- Buy in Bulk: This way usually works out cheaper in the long run, uses fewer bottles overall and bigger tubs and bottles are easier to repurpose.
- Reuse Old Packaging: Many of our bottles and tubs were intentionally chosen so they can be reused at home. Peel off the label and refill them with your next batch of DIY dishwashing liquid, face oil, or washing powder.
How To Sterilise Packaging
If you're reusing containers, you might wonder about cross-contamination. It's a fair concern - but easy to prevent with a proper clean and sterilisation
Step 1: Clean the Bottle:
- Empty the bottle and rinse thoroughly with warm water to remove any residue.
- Wash with hot water and a mild, fragrance-free dishwashing liquid. Scrub the inside with a bottle brush.
- Rinse well, making sure no soap remains.
Step 2: Sterilising the Bottle (two options below):
- Boiling water: Submerge the glass bottle (without plastic caps / seals) in boiling water for 10 minutes. Let it air-dry upside down on a clean rack. (Best for glass only - avoid plastic or heat-sensitive lids.)
- Ethanol (70%): Spray or rinse the bottle with 70% ethanol, ensuring full contact with all surfaces. Leave to air-dry. Quick, effective, and safe for most materials.
Removing the Label and Glue:
- Soak method: Leave bottles in hot water with a little dishwashing liquid for a few hours, then peel off labels.
- Stubborn residue: Rub with a paste of baking soda + cooking oil, or wipe with ethanol to dissolve glue.
- Heat method: A hairdryer or heat gun softens adhesive, making it easier to peel.
Cleaning Caps, Closures and Plastic
Don't boil, as this can damage the plastic. Instead, wash with warm soapy water, rinse, then spray/wipe with 70% ethanol. Let air-dry.
How to Prep Your Packaging For Recycling
Before dropping your packaging at a recycling plant, a little prep goes a long way. If recyclables aren't cleaned or sorted properly, there's a real chance they'll destroy an entire load of recylables.
Why Should You Prep Recyling?
Recycling only works if the materials are clean and properly separated. If items are contaminated - like leftover food or plastic film stuck to cardboard - it can spoil the whole load of recycling. In some cases, the entire collection then has to be rejected and sent to a landfill, as if no one had tried to recycle at all.
So those few extra seconds to rinse or separate really do make a difference.
While it's important you look at the specific rules of your recycling plant you'll be using, here are the general rules:
How To Prep Glass Bottles And Jars For Recycling
- Remove the lids and caps (plastic lids go with plastics; metal lids go with metals.)
- Rinse the jars and bottles
- Labels can usually stay on - no stress (but maybe check your local plant?).
- Most plants don't require colour sorting in South Africa.
Note: Glass that is usually not accepted includes windscreens, window panes, mirrors, light bulbs, drinking glasses, Pyrex, or lab glass. These melt at different temperatures and can't go into the same stream.
How To Prep Plastics For Recycling
- Separate bottles and caps (PETCO does accept caps and labels with PET, though facilities vary.).
- Rinse before dropping off.
Tip: check for the recycling number on the bottom - not all plastics are treated equally, so confirm your site accepts the type you have.
How to Prep Cardboard and Paper For Recycling
- Flatten boxes (shipping boxes, porridge boxes, etc.) to save space and is often a requirement.
- Bundle small pieces so they don't blow away.
- Remove plastic tape or plastic "windows" (like in porridge boxes) - even small bits of plastic can spoil a batch.
How To Prep Tin, Cans and Foil For Recycling
- Empty and give a quick rinse (labels can stay).
- If you've opened a tin with a sharp lid, push the lid inside and pinch the top closed (or recycle separately).
- Crush cans to save space if your local site allows it.
- Scrunch clean foil into a ball so it doesn't get lost in sorting.
Tip: Keep steel and aluminium cans separate (steel is magnetic). Some recycling facilities offer a higher rebate for aluminium cans, especially if they're clean and rust-free.
Special Notes:
- Aerosols: often accepted if completely empty - check your local site.
- Paint tins: empty and dry cans are usually recyclable at city drop-offs.
Locations for Recycling In South Africa
Recycling options can differ widely from city to city - sometimes even from one suburb to the next. To make things easier, we've gathered some of the main resources and links to help you find sites near you.
This list is not exhaustive, but it's a solid starting point to open the door on your recycling journey. Think of it as a guide to point you in the right direction - from here, you'll be able to explore what's available locally and build recycling into your routine.
National Websites:
- Glass: The Glass Recycling Company's "Find a Glass Bank" tool.
https://theglassrecyclingcompany.co.za/find-a-glass-bank-2/
What's a Glass bank?
A glass bank is a large public container for bottles and jars. They're emptied regularly, and the glass is taken to a facility where it's sorted, cleaned, and crushed into cullet - the raw material for new bottles.
- For Plastic: PETCO's drop‑off and buy‑back finders.
https://petco.co.za/find-a-drop-off-site
Search the map for PET collection points.
Note: icons may represent multi-material sites, so check what your local drop-off accepts.
- For Paper and Cardboard: Mpact Recycling branches and Paper Recylcing SA.
Mpact recycling, the largest paper recyclers in South Africa and owner of those large green cylinders:
https://mpactrecycling.co.za/branches
Paper Recycling SA (more of a contact list for you to reference and contact local recyclers):
https://www.recycling.co.za/paper.html
Tip: With regards to Pikitup, not every site is a full recycling facility; some are only garden waste sites or general drop-off depots. You'll need to check if your local garden site accepts the type of recyclables you have.
All In One Maps:
- Sustainable Seas Trust:
https://sstafrica.org.za/my_map/index_waste_recycle.html
- Collect-A-Can
https://www.collectacan.co.za/where-to-find-us/
General Information on Recycling across South Africa:
Tip: Before heading out, contact the site directly to confirm hours and accepted materials.
Province Specific Highlights For Recycling
Western Cape (Cape Town):
City drop-off facilities (free access, includes bulky waste).
Waste Recycling Interactive Map:
https://web1.capetown.gov.za/web1/wasterec/map
Local recycling services guide, including some paid:
https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/recycling-at-home/recycling-services
Cape Town PDF Recycle Guide:
Gauteng:
Pikitup facility finder (Johannesburg).
https://pikitup.co.za/find-a-facility/
Garden Refuse and Buy Back Centres
https://joburg.org.za/departments_/Pages/Link%20pages/Pikitup/Garden-Refuse-Sites.aspx
A few Pick-It-Up Sites with Addresses:
https://rsa.worldorgs.com/catalog/johannesburg/garbage-dump/pikitup-garden-site-bellona
KwaZulu‑Natal (Durban & surrounds):
eThekwini Cleansing & Solid Waste overview.
https://durban.gov.za/pages/residents/cleansing-solid-waste-services
Results For Recycling Centers in Durban:
https://www.cybo.com/ZA/durban/recycling-centers/
Eastern Cape (Nelson Mandela Bay / Gqeberha):
Recycling drop-off map via Sustainable Seas Trust.
https://www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za/faq?cat=Recycling
Other provinces (Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape):
Use the national maps and finders above.
What If There Isn't A Glass Bank Near Me?
If there's no glass bank near you, you can apply to host one - this is great for local shopping centres, schools, office parks or general community areas:
https://theglassrecyclingcompany.co.za/application-for-placement-of-glass-banks/
What Recycled Materials Become And How You Can Support Recycling
The brands below are shared as inspiration for what recycled and upcycled materials can become. This is not a paid endorsement, and it's not exhaustive. We've done a reasonable public-source check and didn't find any major concerns at time of writing. Because sustainability practices can evolve, please check each brand's current materials, certifications, and sourcing before you buy.
Support upcycled material - make recycling more valuable.💓
Bags And Accesories
Sealand (Cape Town) - premium bags & fashionable clothing made from upcycled yacht sails, stretch tents, billboard PVC and recycled fabrics.
They are online and have V&A/Oranjezicht stockists.
The Joinery (Cape Town) - Ethical high fashion accessories. Travel gear, totes and homeware made from RPET felt (recycled plastic bottles) and textile waste; strong corporate‑gift offering!
Wren Design (Cape Town) - laptop sleeves, wallets and accessories made from reclaimed cement‑sack and packaging papers (ProtectPaper).
Online store.
https://www.thewrendesign.com/
Ballo Eyewear (Cape Town) - sunglasses handmade from upcycled offcuts (cork, fabric, wood veneer, recycled materials).
Online and selected boutiques.
Home & décor (glass, upcycled plastic)
Ngwenya Glass - iconic, interesting hand‑blown glassware made from 100% recycled glass (Eswatini craftstudio; widely sold in SA via Shades of Ngwenya, Muldersdrift, and online).
https://shop.ngwenyaglass.co.sz/bestsellers
Re.Bag.Re.Use (Hout Bay & Pretoria) - community project crocheting bread‑bag/soft‑plastic into durable totes and home items; shop online and at markets.
https://rebagreuse.com/reuserebag.html
Garden, outdoor & furniture (recycled plastic "wood")
Green Plastic Wood - benches, decking & outdoor furniture from 100% recycled polypropylene plastic; ships nationally.
https://www.greenplasticwood.co.za
Enviro Timbers (KZN) - custom garden sets, benches and planks made from 100% recycled HDPE/LDPE/PP; national delivery.
Green Furniture / Green Plastic Designs - recycled‑plastic outdoor furniture ranges and jungle gyms! (JHB & Western Cape).
https://www.greenfurniture.co.za
McTimber Plastics - recycled‑plastic benches, decking and planks; online catalogues for JHB & KZN.
https://mctimber-plastics.co.za
MyWater - From park benches and bins to planter boxes, see online catalogue.
Flooring, paving & sport surfaces (recycled tyres / rubber)
Van Dyck - recycled‑rubber flooring, artificial grass, gym tiles, dog‑bone pavers and mats (made with tyre‑derived crumb). Online shop available.
Mathe Group - SA's largest tyre processor supplying rubber crumb into local products - see here if you're interested in buying tyre mulch.
Clothing & mainstream retail with recycled content
K‑Way x WWF SA - puffer jackets insulated with recycled plastic bottles; sold via WWF SA shop/Cape Union Mart.
https://shop.wwfsa.org.za/collections/wwf-puffer-jackets
Cape Union Mart / K‑Way Eco range - look out for their "Eco Range", items made with recycled polyester/REPREVE across bags and outerwear.
https://www.capeunionmart.co.za/page/sustainability
Woolworths - seasonal ranges using recycled polyester (including rPET from bottles); look for "recycled" on product pages.
https://www.wecanchange.co.za/post/choose-local-and-waste-not-woolworths-summer-finds
Stationery & office
Green Stationery - SA supplier specialising in eco‑friendly and recycled pens, notebooks and conference pads.
Gift Africa / corporate gifts - ready‑to‑brand recycled notebooks and rPET felt options for events and welcome packs.
BONUS: Directories, "shop‑recycled" finders and General Sustainability
Greenstuff (by Hotelstuff) - SA directory of eco suppliers (good for bulk buyers; filter by recycled content).
Buy Recycled Products Directory - global directory focused on products with recycled plastic content; useful for ideas and case studies.
https://recycledproductsdirectory.org/
Ecosia - a free Berlin-based search engine that reinvests 100% of its profits into climate action (mainly tree-planting) and publishes monthly financial reports. It powers searches with renewable energy (they've built their own solar plants) and has a strong privacy stance.
Pin the link below and try to remember using Ecosia whenever convenient:
Can You Recycle Clothing?
"Textile waste accounts for 6,5% of landfill in South Africa - around 6 million tons."
- Department of Environmental Affairs
That's a lot of wasted fabric.
While many clothes can be passed on to family, friends, or charities, fast fashion often wears out quickly. When items have truly reached the end of their life, can they still be recycled? Yes.
Where to recycle or donate in South Africa
Rewoven - Cape Town-based initiative recycling old textiles into new fabrics and creating circular fashion solutions.
Clothes to Good - Johannesburg-based social enterprise turning unwanted clothes, shoes, toys and textiles into micro-business opportunities for low-income families and people with disabilities.
We-Collect Textile Recycling (KwaZulu-Natal) – Works with organisations (businesses, schools, churches, malls, corporates) by supplying collection bins and bags for clothing, textiles, shoes and linens. Partner organisations - not individuals - are paid per kilogram collected, with an additional contribution to the Reach for a Dream Foundation.
U-Turn Homeless Ministries (Cape Town) – Organises clothing drives through workplaces, schools, churches, or clubs. You register online, prepare boxes/labels, then drop off sorted clothing at one of U-Turn’s Charity Shops. Proceeds support homeless support, rehabilitation, and skills training programmes. (Note: This is more for undamaged but pre-loved clothing items)
https://homeless.org.za/clothing-drive/
SPCA charity shops - accept gently used clothing, linens and shoes; proceeds fund community projects.
H&M and Zara shops (select branches) - in-store collection boxes for any brand, any condition. Items are either resold, reused, or recycled into new textiles.
Woolworths (select branches) - runs seasonal clothing drives in partnership with charities.
Keep an eye out for community drives at churches, schools, malls and other community hubs. Retailers like Pick n Pay and Checkers occasionally host textile collections, while universities, office parks, libraries and sports clubs sometimes run seasonal drives.
- Always call ahead or check websites/social media as textile collection points can be temporary or seasonal, unlike the permanent glass and plastic recycling infrastructure.
How to prep clothing and shoes for recycling
- Wash and dry before dropping off.
- Sort into wearable (donation) and non-wearable (recycling).
- Tie or band shoes together in pairs.
- Clean off excess dirt (perfect condition is not required)
- Remove personal insoles if you prefer (optional)
- Don't worry about zips, buttons, or trims - recyclers can process them.
- Both leather and synthetic materials are acceptable
- Include boots, sandals, formal shoes
What recycled clothing and shoes become
- Cleaning cloths and industrial rags.
- Insulation and stuffing for mattresses, upholstery, or car seats.
- New yarns or fabrics (from 100% cotton or polyester garments).
- Repurposed or upcycled fashion.
- Wearable shoes redistributed locally or exported to second-hand markets.
- Non-wearable shoe parts recycled into new materials (rubber soles into playground surfaces, foam padding into carpets, leather into bonded sheets).
