14-08-2025
Call for SMME to run Riverside buy-back centre
THE buy-back centre in Riverside, Umgeni Park is seeking a qualified small, medium or micro enterprise (SMME) to take over its operations, in a move aimed at formalising a long-troubled informal recycling site.
USE-IT waste beneficiation, in partnership with the eThekwini Municipality's Economic Development Unit and the e-Waste Association of SA (eWASA), has called for proposals from experienced waste sector SMMEs to manage the Connaught Bridge Recycling Site.
Also read: Book fair in uMhlanga to focus on planet, people, power
The initiative forms part of a wider waste picker integration and recycling upliftment strategy, designed to promote job creation, environmental sustainability, and small business development.
'The successful SMME will be responsible for daily purchasing from waste pickers, sorting and storing recyclables, ensuring compliance with site rules, and submitting monthly operational reports,' said USE-IT managing director Belinda Putterill.
Putterill said over R700 000 has been secured from eWASA to fund infrastructure development.
'Due to the close proximity of the area to the river, we've had to ask for permission to operate. Once that's been granted by the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, it will be all systems go,' she said.
She added that the project will be using USE-IT's unique interlocking Green Block (KEY Bricks) to build structures on the site so the site will be an entirely eco-friendly, green space.
'We are also calling on local businesses to invest their CSI funding into developing the site. Local security companies are also needed to collaborate and offer services. There is lots to be done and the only way to make this sustainable is if business comes on board too,' said Putterill.
Speaking to Northglen News from the site in Riverside, reclaimers Emmanuel Shamase and Xolani Sukude said they were grateful to USE-IT and everyone involved in putting plans in place to formalise a buy-back centre.
'We are happy that we will have a formal centre to conduct business from soon. It's like a dream come true,' said Shamase.
'We appreciate all the support we have been getting from USE-IT, the community, the City, the ward councillor, and just basically everyone who is helping us,' said Sukude.
Ward 36 councillor Heinz de Boer said the move marks a turning point for a location that has long been plagued by illegal dumping, sex work and squatting.
'Now that the fencing is up, and once the site is formalised we can control it. It will become a formalised business for the people who are already sorting through recyclables here. Voluntary clean-ups are already happening, which is a good step towards compliance,' he said.
Proposals can be submitted via email to [email protected] or through Applications close on August 30.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
