Innovation Hub Manager Rudi Clark explains how the project recycles plastic waste sifted from the rivers.
Image: Image by Litterboom Project
A newly launched recycling hub at Rondebosch Golf Club will turn plastic waste found in rivers into reusable items.
The Litterboom Project non-profit launched their Innovation Hub at the club on Friday February 14. According to the project's CEO, Cameron Service, the hub includes a sorting and processing facility to reduce landfill waste by recovering plastic from rivers, coastlines and communities.
The launch was attended by key stakeholders which included corporate partners, members of Rondebosch Golf Club and the City of Cape Town.
According to the Litterboom Project, the hub includes a sorting facility where environmental plastic can be separated, baled, and prepared for recycling. It also includes a production process where plastic will be washed, shredded, and molded into products like coasters, hooks, rulers, plant support stakes and combs that are done inside a converted 12m shipping container.
Mr Service says they will start recycling plastic from the Black River but they want to recycle waste from throughout Cape Town.
Captain of Rondebosch Golf Club, Raj Lochan says the club supports the project's objectives.
"At the official opening earlier in the month, attended by City officials, Rondebosch Golf Club was recognised for its innovative steps in working together with Litterboom in providing a solution to the pollution in the Black River," he says.
Mr Lochan added that they have encouraged all their members to bring dry recyclable waste to the club to convert it into practical products.
The non-profit started in Durban in 2017 and they use a barrier to sift plastic waste from waterways before it reaches the ocean.
Mr Service said: "As part of our eco-system approach and our role in mitigating environmental plastic pollution, we have carefully chosen these programmes to play vital roles in our short, medium and long term plans."
Mr Service said they wanted the hub to help them make more "friends" on their plastic waste recycling journey.
The City’s mayco member for Water and Sanitation, Dr Zahid Badroodien, said the project is an important partner in cleaning up waterways.
"We want to congratulate them on this achievement and wish them well on this important endeavour."
The Innovation Hub located at Rondebosch Golf Club.
Image: Image by the Litterboom Project
Ambassador of the Litterboom Project, Ant Stott, demonstrates how the molding machine makes items from plastic waste.
Image: Image by the Litterboom Project