South Africa’s paper recycling rate has reached 63.3 percent, reflecting continued recovery activity across the country’s waste management system, according to the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa, which represents the country’s paper and pulp manufacturing sector.
The figure indicates stable recovery levels supported by established collection networks and consistent demand for recovered fibre. Materials collected include newspapers, magazines, office paper and corrugated boxes.
Collection is carried out through a combination of formal systems and the informal sector, with reclaimers and buy-back centres playing a central role, particularly in urban areas.
Recovered paper is reused as a raw material in local manufacturing, reducing reliance on virgin fibre and supporting resource efficiency. Within the packaging segment, recovered fibre continues to be used in the production of paper-based packaging materials.
PAMSA has called for improved separation of waste at source to further increase recycling rates. Contamination remains a challenge, particularly for lower-grade paper streams, affecting both quality and recovery potential.
The association said better separation practices by households and businesses could improve the volume and usability of collected materials.
Higher-value paper grades such as corrugated board continue to achieve stronger recovery rates due to their relative ease of collection and processing. Other grades face challenges linked to contamination and lower demand.
The reported rate reflects both consumption patterns and the effectiveness of recovery systems. Ongoing efforts are expected to focus on public awareness, improved sorting practices and strengthening collection infrastructure.
The data indicates continued progress in paper recovery, while highlighting opportunities to improve recycling performance through better waste separation and more efficient system coordination.