Zach, born and raised in Mitchells Plain, leads the project with a clear mission: address both environmental and social challenges. "We want to increase recycling, reduce waste in landfills, and improve livelihoods," he says.

With Baseline Scales providing precise measurements, the initiative ensures fair compensation for everyone involved, while also promoting local economic growth.

Since its inception in 2023, the ReCha project has grown rapidly. It now plans to expand from 10 to 60 ‘ReCha Nodes,’ where recyclable materials are collected.

The ultimate goal is to establish a material recovery facility, further scaling up the project’s impact. As the green economy continues to gain momentum, the ReCha project stands as a shining example of how recycling can not only protect the environment but also create jobs and improve lives. According to UNICEF, the green economy could help tackle South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate, and initiatives like ReCha are paving the way for future work in sustainable sectors.