South Africa ranks as one of the 15 worst carbon-emission countries in the world and South Africans are said to be among the most environmentally ignorant globally.

South Africa ranks as one of the 15 worst carbon-emission countries in the world and South Africans are said to be among the most environmentally ignorant globally.

This means we have to start taking care of our environment and what better way than to start a recycling business.

There are several local organisations that you could work with if you want to start a recycling business. The National Recycling Forum of South Africa has tons of information about recycling, and will refer you to the major industry players involved in recycling.

Recycling is often managed regionally. For example, in the waste paper recycling industry, Mondi and Sappi are the major industry players.

Recycling entrepreneurs could get in touch with Nampak's Collect-a-Can.

Its core business is to recover used beverage cans and pay money for the cans.

Recycling businesses deliver cans to one of the company's many branches and are paid cash. Transport and manpower is required to collect as much as possible to be competitive.

Mondi Recycling source and supply 300000 tons of waste paper to paper and board mills every year. The company has branches in urban areas.

Collection vehicles, conveyors and balers as well as a vast network of branches, agents and dealers provide logistical and geographical convenience to suppliers.

Entrepreneurs can start their own recycling businesses by joining these networks. Mondi offers advice, training, equipment and ongoing help.

In other parts of the country, you could get in touch with municipalities, large factories or manufacturing plants, hospitals or office parks to set up recycling networks.

You could also be paid feeders to larger organisations.