Cape Town: The city turned waste into opportunity. As the world marked Global Recycling Day on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Reportedly, the City of Cape Town highlighted how recycling and circular-economy initiatives are helping to grow new industries and create jobs. Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth – Alderman James Vos recently visited a Fishing Net Recycling Pod at Collier Jetty at the V&A Waterfront.
At the facility, discarded fishing nets are processed into raw re-usable material for manufacturing. The waste becomes high value materials that is used across the industries, from clothing and furniture to automotive components. That supported small businesses, by creating jobs and feeding into local supply chains.
Alderman Vos further stated that seeing this initiative up close shows how waste can become an economic resource. It creates opportunities for entrepreneurs by enabling new forms of manufacturing and creates jobs.
Furthermore, this initiative is led by Ocean Action Network and Ocean Plastic Technologies (OPT). It is operated by small business owner Bukiwe Tshetsha of Mtubana Networks Recycling and creates opportunities for local fishermen who prepare the nets for recycling purpose.
Also, it reflects a broader shift in the economy of Cape Town, with growth in sectors such as recycling, renewable energy, sustainable manufacturing and the marine economy.
Through its Economic Growth Directorate, the City of Cape Town works with partners such as Green Cape. It is a city supported organisation that helps in driving investment and innovation in the green economy. It attracts investment, support business growth and enable emerging sectors in the green economy by positioning Cape Town to benefit from growing global demand for sustainable solutions.
Alderman Vos further stated that the International Recycling Day reminds them that waste should not be seen as the end of a production line. With the right innovation and partnerships, it can become the starting point for new industries, new businesses and new jobs.