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Tips to make every trip to Mpact count

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Published: Thursday, 04 June 2026 13:17

In our industry, very little is said about the impact an oversupplied market hason suppliers. After a long day or week of collecting, the last thing you want to hear is that your recycler’s/buyer’s yard is full and cannot accept your material because they were not able to sell their own stock at a fast enough rate.

One of Mpact Recycling’s roles in the recycling economy is to provide a sustainable marketplace for the trading of recyclables.

Whether you drive a bakkie or pull a trolley, our priority is to ensure you are paid fairly and accurately for your load. But getting the best value does not only happen at the scale. It starts when you are out collecting. That is why we are sharing practical tips to help you get the best value for your load and make every trip to Mpact Recycling count.

Tip: Know what your buyers are accepting.

It is important to understand what materials are being accepted and what is currently in demand. This can differ by province, depending on factors such as and market conditions. For updates, follow us on socials to stay up to date. You can also download the waste classification guide.

Tip: Don’t mix different materials together.

There are two forms of contamination: mixing different types of materials in one bulk bag, trolley, skip, etc., or exposing materials to food waste and liquids. Both reduce the value of your load.

When you mix different types of recyclable material like plastic, cardboard or cans in the same bag, you reduce the quality of the load. Each material has its own recycling process and value, and once mixed, it becomes labour-intensive to separate and process efficiently, especially at scale. This can result in a lower payout or, in some cases, the load not being accepted. To avoid this, always separate your materials into the correct waste streams.

Tip: Keep your cardboard dry and uncontaminated.

It’s important to keep your recyclables dry because you get paid for the weight of the material, not added moisture. Wet cardboard or paper may also be penalised or rejected depending on its condition. To avoid this, store it in a dry area and cover your load during transport, especially in wet weather.

Tip: Travel light with clear PET plastic.

PET, or Polyethylene Terephthalate, is one of the most valuable, light weight and widely accepted plastics. It is used for beverage and food packaging such as water, cooldrink and juice bottles, as well as items like dishwashing liquid bottles, oil containers and peanut butter jars. They are clear or light blue and can be identified by the number “1” inside the recycling triangle.

It is important not to clear PET with coloured PET, such as green bottles or brown bottles. These are processed and recycled separately. If you mix them in with clear PET, you risk lowering the value of your load or having it rejected.

Tip: White office paper is a collection staple.

White office paper, often referred to as HL1, is mostly generated from offices, schools and businesses. This includes items like printed documents, exam papers, reports and standard A4 sheets. It’s important to avoid confusing white office paper with mixed or coloured paper. Items like magazines, newspapers, coloured sheets or heavily printed material are considered different grades of material and do not carry the same value.

Tip: Ensure your buyer’s scales don’t lie.

As a waste collector or supplier, you have the right to ask whether your buyer’s scales are calibrated. You can request to see a valid calibration certificate, which confirms that the scales have been serviced and are providing accurate readings. At Mpact Recycling, our scales are calibrated twice a year by accredited service providers, so you can trust that the weight recorded is fair, accurate and in accordance with the Legal Metrology Act. At Mpact, we ensure our scales don’t lie.

Tip: Choose a payment option that works for you.

We understand how important cash flow is when you are collecting and selling. That is why we offer different payment options to suit your needs, whether you are a waste collector or a bakkie supplier. Depending on your business, you can choose between immediate payment or structured terms such as 15-day, 30-day, cash or EFT . This gives you more flexibility and helps you manage your operation more effectively while continuing to collect and deliver material. Speak to your nearest branch to understand which payment option is available to you and how it can support your business. https://mpactrecycling.co.za/branches

Tip: Understand the weighing process.

It is essential to understand how your load is weighed and assessed when you arrive at our branches. Knowing the process helps avoid confusion, ensures transparency and gives you confidence that you are being paid accurately and fairly for what you bring in.

Step 1: We weigh your vehicle and material.

Step 2: We inspect for correct material and contamination.

Step 3: You unload your material in the designated areas.

Step 4: We weigh your empty vehicle.

Step 5: You receive a w and head to the cash desk.

Put your tips to the test.

Getting the best value for your recyclables starts long before you arrive at the branch. Knowing which materials are accepted, keeping them clean and dry, separating them correctly, and understanding how weighing works can make a meaningful difference to your payout. Prepare your load and make every trip to Mpact count.