How waste reclaimers save Johannesburg MILLIONS of rands

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Johannesburg’s municipalities are saving an estimated R780 million annually in landfill space alone thanks to waste reclaimers.

According to the African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO), waste pickers collect nearly 90% of all recyclable materials in Johannesburg.

Despite this massive contribution, they continue to work without proper recognition, infrastructure, or support.

“Reclaimers are not homeless people…they follow the materials,” ARO programme co-ordinator Nandi Tutani told the Sandton Chronicle.

“If someone finds recyclable waste in places like Emmarentia or Linden, they need a space nearby where they can work—aggregate, sort, and sell.”

“That doesn’t mean they live there. They camp temporarily for work purposes and move on. Homeless people remain in those spaces; that’s the difference.”

Vital to Johannesburg’s waste management

Waste reclaimers play a crucial role in reducing pressure on Johannesburg’s overflowing landfills and municipal waste systems.

Yet despite their contributions, the ARO says reclaimers are still marginalised and stigmatised.

“There’s a big gap in understanding just how specialised this work is,” Tutani added.

“Waste reclaimers are experts at identifying, sorting, and collecting recyclable materials.”

“But they are often pushed aside, misunderstood, and blamed for untidy public spaces, when, in fact, they know how important it is to clean up after themselves.”

The ARO equips waste pickers with essential tools, safety gear, and access to better-paying markets—support they wouldn’t have on their own.

The biggest hurdle remains changing public attitudes, and gaining formal support from the City of Johannesburg.

“We are in talks with the City to create safe, clean workspaces for reclaimers,” Tutani concluded.

“If municipalities invested even a fraction of the money reclaimers save the city each year, everyone would benefit.”