Durban — Mpact Recycling has dubbed its new R150 million world-class waste management operation in KwaMashu, north of Durban, as game-changing and brings new opportunities to KwaZulu-Natal.
In April, the recycler opened its recycling operation in Bridge City in KwaMashu.
Mpact said that the R150 million investment into this world-class infrastructure in the region will succeed in enabling the Mpact Group to service the Northern Coast corridor, and in turn, to uplift its surrounding communities.
The project came about through close collaboration over several years between the Mpact Group, Mpact Recycling and the Mpact Paper businesses.
Then in June 2021, construction began and it was completed in April 2022.
Mpact said that the new operation allows for the increased collection, sorting and baling of major waste streams such as paper, plastic, cardboard and the central collection of glass. Ultimately, this keeps perfectly recyclable products from going to landfills and into the recycling stream quicker.
Mpact Recycling managing director John Hunt said: “This investment really represents our commitment to growing recycling and the recycling economy within KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa.”
He said that the Mpact Group is confident that the new operation will now open opportunities for small and medium-size recycling enterprises to form and develop in the area and ultimately continue to contribute to the economy well into the future.
“We chose this area because it is convenient for local businesses and there is ease of access for our existing suppliers, employees and contractors, and the community,” Hunt said.
The new operation also has improved operational efficiency, increased volume throughput and a reduction on the reliance on grid-based energy supply. An initial solar installation of 130kW provides the facility with enough power to enable “grid-free” daytime operations. Over time, Mpact will consider expanding the solar installation and tying it into the local supply grid for either resale or wheeling to its other KZN operations.
The main warehouse, including a separate administration and operations centre, allowed Mpact Recycling to relocate its large sorting plant as well as two baling machines all under the roof from its previous location. The improved design and process flow will reduce offloading and loading times for suppliers and collection vehicles, thereby improving capacity for collections with the existing fleet.
The process improvement also reduces risk to workers and suppliers as the congestion around the offloading area can be better managed.
Mpact Recycling national technical manager Kevin Matthews said: “This facility has been purpose-built.”
“We’ve considered all the inefficiencies and where we can make improvements in process flow, and that is going to be a game-changer for us going forward.”
Mpact Recycling operates three sorting and baling plants within the KZN. This makes it an important province for Mpact Recycling’s general operations, which, in turn, makes Mpact Recycling an asset to surrounding businesses and communities.
“It demonstrates in every sense what it is to develop smarter, sustainable solutions in every aspect of our business,” adds a proud Bruce Strong, CEO of Mpact.
A proud Mpact Recycling chief executive Bruce Strong added: “It demonstrates in every sense what it is to develop smarter, sustainable solutions in every aspect of our business.”
Daily News
Now watch: