The City of Cape Town has joined forces with the Western Cape Government (WCG) and Polyco to launch Waste Warriors 2, a new and improved initiative to help schools establish community recycling collection and sorting hubs, and boost the circular economy.
This collaboration builds on years of joint experience accumulated through earlier projects aimed at utilising schools to strengthen the recycling value chain in Cape Town and improve waste diversion. The new initiative is based on a cost-sharing model between the City and the WCG, with recycling collection points to be rolled out at 10 strategically selected schools initially.
These schools are:
- Hout Bay Primary
- Elnor Primary
- Eldene Primary
- Ysterplaat Primary
- Maitland High
- Hazendal Primary
- Hermeslaan Primary
- Vuyiseka Secondary School
- Hillside Primary
- Willows Primary (Heideveld)
As part of the project, participating schools will be provided with storage facilities, as well as sorting and waste-handling equipment to manage recyclable materials effectively. Two Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) beneficiaries at each school will help sort and prepare recycling materials for sale to local recycling enterprises, creating a total of 20 EPWP work opportunities across the initiative. EPWP beneficiaries will not only gain dignified employment, but will also receive valuable hands-on experience and skills development training in recycling operations that can be leveraged to access formal employment in the waste management sector.
The benefits for schools are significant. By diverting recyclables, they will be able to generate revenue, while at the same time gain a practical platform for environmental education that strengthens learners’ awareness of sustainable living, thereby contributing to cleaner schools. Surrounding communities will likewise benefit from a cleaner environment over time, should they participate actively, as much of the litter that plagues many areas of Cape Town is recyclable.
Knowledge sharing between the two spheres of government has been central to the design of Waste Warriors 2. Officials from both the City and WCG drew on lessons learnt from previous projects to refine approaches to community involvement and the management of school-based recycling drop-offs. For instance, where possible, the Waste Warriors 2 project will work to facilitate partnerships between waste pickers, small recycling businesses, and the schools themselves creating mutually beneficial relationships that strengthen local recycling systems while supporting livelihoods. This ensures that the initiative is not only more effective, but also more likely to be economically sustainable in the long term than previous similar initiatives.
‘We are incredibly excited about the potential of this project and we believe it offers a scalable model that other metros and provinces could replicate in pursuit of circular economy goals.
‘Schools can be key partners in shifting mindsets around waste and building a culture of recycling in our communities. By equipping them with the tools and systems to collect recyclables, learners benefit from early exposure to recycling culture and are more likely to buy into the practice long term.
‘I encourage all communities around participating schools and businesses to please get involved and support your local schools by dropping their recyclables at the hub,’ said Michelle Joja-Johannes, the City’s Acting Director for Public Empowerment and Development.
Future expansion
The intention of Waste Warriors 2 is to extend the project to additional schools over time. If you are a parent, learner, principal or teacher, and you would like to explore participation at your school, please contact Waste.Warriors@capetown.gov.za or Ronald.Mukanya@westerncape.gov.za to express your interest.
