Recycling Week at the Brightwater Commons from the 30^th August – 2^nd September offers a twist this year. In addition to recycling, the centre is making it possible for the public to donate their unwanted goods thereby extending their environmental responsibility to the community.  On the 2^nd September, petrol heads will be able to join in the Auto-jumble, swapping and buying parts for historic racing cars.

Recycle

All responsible citizens will be glad to know that the opportunity has come around again to safely dispose of any white goods, e-waste, hazardous household materials and more. The drop off point is situated at Entrance 2 off Republic Road in Randburg and will be operating from 8am to 5pm daily.

In the words of your average South African, household recycling is a bit of a ‘schlep’! However, since the earth’s resources, and most peoples’ bank accounts are not infinite, recycling provides a nifty answer to waste. 

If you are asking yourself what kinds of materials can be recycled, the following should help: Metal in the form of tins and cans - even rusty ones- can be recycled safely along with glass.  Do be aware however, that drinking glasses and light bulbs (ordinary, energy-saving and flourescent) cannot be recycled, but if you bring them to Brightwater Commons during Recycling Week they will be disposed of safely.   As for old appliances such as your old irons, hair-dryers, microwaves, kettles and the like, these will be sorted and recycled by partnerships built by the Brightwater Commons at Recycling Week.

E-waste, which is any tech refuse such as old computer harddrives, keyboards, printers, walkmans, phones, game consoles, CD’s and any other waste that is associated to electronic equipment can be brought to the centre for recycling. 

Waste Bank, an organization that specialises in collecting and sorting recycled materials will be on hand to help sort the incoming goods on site so that they will be ready to be recycled correctly and efficiently.

“Many people are concerned about the manner in which goods are recycled. It is a major worry that these goods may just end up going to landfill, and that is exactly what we are focused on avoiding. With a new approach involving donating and up-cycling, we hope to increase the reusing of materials before recycling,” says Francois du Buisson, Marketing Manager of the Brightwater Commons.

Spring clean and recycle

Think about it, if you didn’t clean out your fridge of old foods toxins would build up over time and affect even the fresh food, it’s the same with your household.  The old needs to go!  The clutter of old, broken and useless products in your house can be like a poison that grows and just makes everything look like an old mess.   Recycling Week may just be the perfect opportunity to Spring Clean your house and dispose of the ‘old’ in a green way.  Besides, you may just win awesome prizes at Brightwater Commons by bringing your junk to the centre and taking part in the Recycling Week Stax competition.

Donate

A designated donation area will be set up in the parking lot for the duration of the drive and the public is invited to gift instead of trash their used goods.  Donated wares such as baby clothes, toys, blankets, fabric, curtains, clothes, shoes furniture and more will be passed on to selected charities including the Windsor East Recreation Centre, Babies Behind Bars and Hospice to name a few.  Some of the beneficiaries use fabrics to create new products, thus up-cycling old items.

Green Living Expo

A Green Living Expo will take place in the promotions court throughout the week beginning at 8am daily. Stax will be on hand to showcase all the latest energy saving gadgets and appliances from most leading local agents to lower consumers' carbon footprint, save money, electricity and water.

Competition and prizes to value of R30 000

Just for a little extra incentive to recycle, Brightwater Commons and Stax will be running a competition again this year to promote environmentally friendly lifestyles. The competition grand prize includes 14 household products ranging from pool, kitchen and entertainment to the value of R30 000.  Entry forms will be available at Entrance 2 near the recycling point and can be deposited into the Stax pop-up store, which will be situated in the Promotions Court.

“With the exhibitors available and the incentive of the competition we hope that everyone will learn how to recycle and allow it to be a part of their lifestyle”, says du Buisson.

Auto-jumble swap

Reusing is just as responsible as recycling, if not more.  After all, if people reuse products their overall consumption decreases.  On Sunday 2nd September, the petrol-head community will have the opportunity to attend a display of historic racing cars and motorbikes as well as a jumble sale for parts.

“More often than not, people have a cupboard containing items that are no longer used or not working, here is the opportunity to clean out your cupboards, make space and organise your belongings.  The Spring-clean and recycling could benefit not just your household, but also another in need. What may be old and boring to one could be new and exciting to someone else”, concludes Du Buisson. 

For more information contact The Brightwater Commons on 011 789 5052 or visit www.brightwatercommons.co.za and follow them on Facebook.