In Mitchells Plain, schools and learners are discovering the value of PET and Liquid Board Packaging cartons like never before. What was once overlooked is now being actively separated, collected and recycled, thanks to Petco’s initiatives. This simple shift in behaviour is making a real difference, benefiting both schools and the wider community.
Through the Petco Schools Recycling Competition, items that might have ended up in bins, landfills or even on the streets are now being identified, collected, and sorted for recycling, turning potential waste into a resource for cleaner communities and new opportunities.
The competition, which includes several schools in Mitchells Plain, challenges learners to see which school can collect the most PET plastic bottles and jars, Liquid Board Packaging cartons, and other recyclable packaging. The school that collects the most will win a prize to help upgrade or improve school facilities.
The programme goes beyond recycling, introducing learners to broader themes of sustainability, sustainable consumption, and environmental responsibility. It brings these concepts to life in the classroom and empowers learners to put them into practice.
Now in its second month, the competition is already changing attitudes, with learners and the wider community discovering the value of recyclable packaging and developing lasting habits that impact the environment and contribute towards a circular economy in SA.
The Petco Schools Recycling Competition was designed to change behaviour, and it does so through a combination of practical support and education. Colour-coded bins were introduced to make sorting recyclables simple and visible, while a partnership with collection service Regenize ensures that all PET containers, Liquid Board Packaging, and other materials are properly collected and processed.
The programme was kicked off by inspiring, high-energy performances by G-CAP and Grand Master Ready D, followed by the dispersion of educational workbooks, posters and on-the-ground support. Together with the rollout of recycling infrastructure and collection systems, these elements ensure learners not only understand the importance of recycling, but also have the tools and structures needed to turn awareness into lasting behaviour change.
Changing Mindsets and Building Respect
At Caradale Primary School, the impact has been deeply felt. Deputy Principal Dawn Cockrill said the project has transformed how both learners and teachers view waste.
“Before, empty plastic bottles were just dirt,” said Cockrill. “Now, our learners see their worth. They’ve learnt that recycling can help protect our planet and even create income opportunities for many South Africans who depend on it. There’s a new respect for waste pickers and the important work they do.”
Rising Ambassadors for a Cleaner Future
Caradale’s learners have become champions for change, proudly calling themselves recycling ambassadors.
“They lead clean-ups, remind their classmates to recycle, and do it with so much pride,” said a teacher. “They’ve taken ownership of their school and their environment.”
Learning Through Action
The initiative’s strength lies in connecting lessons to real life. Using resources from the Pick’n Pay Schools Club, teachers have brought recycling, sustainability, and responsible consumption into Life Skills and Natural Sciences lessons. The content, developed by Petco in partnership with the Schools Club for Grades 1–12, has been shared with tens of thousands of students and teachers since 2020. All materials are free to download and use, making it easy for schools to integrate sustainability into the classroom.
“Because the materials are CAPS-aligned, it’s easy to teach,” said Cockrill. “Learners understand where waste goes, why separating matters, and how small actions can make a big difference.”
Beyond recycling bins, learners are also using food and organic waste for composting, putting sustainability lessons into practice. By keeping organic waste separate from recyclables, they help prevent contamination of PET plastics, cartons, and other packaging, ensuring more materials are uncontaminated and can be successfully recycled. This approach not only reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills but also teaches students the importance of closing the loop between what they learn in the classroom and how they live at home and in their communities.
Community Ripple Effect
The enthusiasm is contagious. Grade 7 learner Matthew Gallant says the competition has given him purpose.
“I use my skateboard to collect PET plastic bottles and bring them to school,” he said. “It’s fun, and I like that I’m helping make our area cleaner.”
Many learners now collect PET bottles and jars, Liquid Board Packaging cartons, and other recyclables at home, encouraging their families to join in. Their efforts are helping to reduce litter and ease pressure on local landfills, while inspiring others to see that real change starts small with sorting recyclables from general waste. Over time, programs like this create a ripple effect, as learners become advocates for sustainability in their homes, schools, and communities, spreading awareness, influencing habits, and contributing to cleaner, healthier environments in the areas where they live.
Driving a Culture of Change
The Petco Schools Recycling Competition shows that when education and action come together, transformation follows.
“We are excited for the collection results and to see which school wins the competition,” said a Petco spokesperson. “We couldn’t have done this without our partners, Grand Master Ready D, G-CAP, Regenize, and our members. Their support helps us build a future where young South Africans grow up understanding the true value of collecting and sorting valuable recyclable packaging from waste and of their own potential to make a difference.”
