Recycling

We’ve been collecting our recyclables for a good portion of the time we’ve been here (it’s amazing how much plastic and things one family actually use). I’ve asked around to find out where we can bring everything, but apparently plastic gets garbaged. We can recycle glass and newspaper and that is basically it. Not even a spot for aluminum cans (pop or beer- the beer is Castle brand and not great). There are plenty of garbage deposits everywhere and they are usually overflowing with drink cans and bottles. The only exception to the plastic rule is pop bottles. Reminds me of the days of Pic’a’pop at Hippies in Winkler. Pay the deposit for the pop, bring the bottle back when it’s done to get a “refill” for ten cents less. Here it is two rand. There is a market waiting to be capitalized on, aluminum recycling would be something to start up. With the cheap labour available, give the unemployed a chance to collect cans for minimum wage. I felt very guilty when I plopped my garbage bag full of recycling into the refuse bin. Or when I toss an empty Coke or Tab can away. I guess the other option is to ship it all back to Canada. Not a good idea. I’ll stick with trying to buy the refillable plastic 1.5 liter bottles as much as possible. They cost less than the 600ml bottles in Canada anyways.

Carla is starting her interviews on Thursday and that will give me and Harry an opportunity to drive out to smaller centers with her and check out other places. I think Somerset West is the first target.