As a career, recycling is concerned with the transformation of used material into new products. Recycling old material into new material helps to prevent waste of potentially useful materials. It also reduces the consumption of fresh raw materials, energy usage, air pollution and water pollution.

Most people look at recycling as one of the lowest and under appreciated professions in the world. However some people view recycling as a professional career. To qualify as a professional in recycling you need a degree in a relevant subject such as environmental sciences/studies or waste management.

With these qualifications, you may be able to move into more senior managerial roles within recycling and waste management. With further qualifications, you may be able to move into other areas of environmental services, such as environmental health or possibly planning and licensing. You may also be able to move into research or policy development roles.

For those who want to start a recycling business, you need to be registered with Consol and/or Nampak as vendors, and sell the glass directly to them. You can also seek advice from people working for either environmental services or cleansing departments. You don't have to have a degree in order for you to start a recycling business. However, you should at least do a management course so that you can manage your business successfully.

Below is a list of institutions that offer courses in management and environmental sciences.

1 Cape Peninsula University of Technology

PO Box 652 Cape Town
8000
Tel: 021 460 3911

2. University of Stellenbosch

Department of Geology, Geography and Environmental Studies

Cnr Ryneveld and Merriman Streets

Stellenbosch

Cape Town

7602

3. University of the Western Cape

Private Bag X17,

Bellville 7535,

Republic of South Africa

For admissions click here,

UWC

 

Last Updated: 24 March 2011