Recycling made easy for homes and businesses by collection service Recycle 1st
We all know that recycling is essential for a greener future, but don’t usually enjoy the clutter as bottles and plastic build up in the hallway or garage. Recycle 1st collects from you and guarantees that all the recyclables are sorted and sent to reputable end users. Owner, Anthea Fransman, tells us about her business journey.
How did your business start?
After nine years in the banking industry, I knew it was time to follow my heart and open a business with more purpose for me. What I really wanted was a green business, a business that could help people act more responsibly towards the environment.
I found a gap in the market in the Northern Suburbs where no one was collecting recycling from homes, and Recycle 1st began its journey to a greener future for all. Initially we offered bi-monthly collections to Northern Suburbs residents only, but we soon had to widen our scope to include Table View and the Southern Suburbs and now our services include collections from businesses and complexes too.
For support in growing the business sustainably I joined business incubator, Shanduka Black Umbrellas. It started with lots of training as they strongly believe in equipping the business owner with knowledge and expertise. I most enjoyed the one on one interaction with a mentor and their business developer. They have a great panel of experts that can help in every facet of your business and I fully trust their approach and their advice. Tangibly, my business has managed to increase revenue by almost R1m since joining Shanduka.
Why did you choose this area to set up shop?
I chose Epping due to its location close to other players in the industry. There are waste paper recyclers, and metal recyclers. In addition, we have many customers in the City Bowl and Southern Suburbs, and Epping was a good proximity to these while still being affordable in comparison to other industrial areas.
How did you find your premises?
A combination of brokers and Google searches.
Why are the premises ideally suited to your business?
These premises have a section for warehouse and a yard area too, which is needed for the large skips for glass and containers to house cardboard.
Who are your neighbours?
An engineering company, aluminium window manufacturer and a cleaning company.
What are the rental / sales prices like in this area?
They range from R40 – R50/m2.
What is your shop footprint?
We don’t have any foot traffic, as this is not how our business operates. We collect from homes and businesses, from offices or buildings.
Do you have any expansion plans?
We’re looking to move more into business collections, and expand into the rest of South Africa within the next three years.
Do you operate online as well?
Yes, we have a website.
What’s your most popular service?
Home recycling collections. Because our business is not just about profit but fundamentally about protecting the environment, our clients know that we personally ensure all recyclables collected are actually recycled with the end users.
See for yourself:
Recycle 1st
081 338 9514
recycle1st.co.za
Words: Kit Heathcock | Images: Supplied
