To reduce waste and encourage recycling, a new waste drop-off site was launched at Harbour Bay Mall in Simon’s Town on Thursday 18 May.
Luana Pasanisi, from Green Group Simon’s Town, said since service delivery on the waste collection “has been such a struggle” they were always looking for ways to recycle.
“Last year, Sunell from Harbour Bay Mall, was looking for a way to do recycling and it was actually her idea.
“I just always want to reduce waste in Simon’s Town and we have struggled with service delivery since the tender has been renewed.
“People are coming here every day, twice a day, they can drop off slowly and quietly and it’s nice and neat. It will be well-serviced by Happy Valley shelter. So, I know it (waste) is going to come off the street and go everywhere it needs to go instead of going to the dump.”
Sunell Pelser, marketing manager for the Mall, said they initially discussed the plan a year ago. “The initial idea was discussed with the landlord. They gave approval on the budget and space and then it was trying to resource suppliers and who was going to service it (drop-off).
“Because it is on the outskirts, we did have a bit of a mission getting companies that are willing to come and service it for us but then Luana got involved and Happy Valley Shelter.”
She added having a recycling drop-off point was important, especially being situated “so close to the ocean” and with the “battle” to always find companies for service.
“There’s a one tonne bag inside the igloos which Happy Valley Shelter will be servicing depending on how quickly they get full.
“This is going to serve the community and the shoppers coming to the mall. They can drop it off here.”
Patrick Msakayeya, the facility manager at the Shelter, explained:
“We will be servicing and emptying the igloos. We will start once or twice a week and see how it fills up. If there is a need for every day, then we will make sure it is done because we have to keep the area neat as well.”
Happy Valley relies on recycling to generate income.
“We are a shelter for homeless adults and we also generate a lot of refuse such as plastic cans because we get donations from our local communities. Some of the donations may be broken furniture or cardboards. So, we try and sort it out and recycle what we can.
“We also want to stay green, which is the main initiative, and also at the same time try to generate an income.”
The shelter is registered to take in around 65 adults which usually consists of 45 men and 20 women.
“Currently, we are not full, but it is winter and it is picking up. Of course, recycling does not generate a lot of money but whatever comes counts. “We are also serving the community and businesses.”
