Mitchells Plain schools divert 2.5 tonnes of waste from landfill in recycling challenge

Five Mitchells Plain schools have collectively diverted almost 2.5 tonnes of recyclable waste from landfill after taking part in a recycling competition aimed at promoting environmental awareness among young pupils.

The initiative formed part of Petco Producer Responsibility Organisation NPC’s Get In The Loop Schools Recycling Competition and was supported by hip-hop artist Deon Daniels, popularly known as Grandmaster Ready D, and his youth development programme, G-CAP. The challenge encouraged learners, teachers and families to work together to reduce waste and adopt responsible recycling habits.

Liesbeeck Primary School emerged as the overall winner, recycling 674.8kg of material during the campaign. Wavecrest Primary School placed second with 587kg, followed by Caradale Primary School in third place with 487.1kg.

The tonnes of waste were diverted from already constrained Western Cape landfill sites. Organisers said recyclable materials were redirected to certified recycling hubs.

Beyond the competition, the pupils received hands-on training on correct recycling practices, including separating waste streams, identifying recyclable materials, and preparing packaging for recycling. 

Grade 4 teacher at Liesbeeck Primary, Faaidah Cassiem, said consistent communication with parents and pupils was key to their success.

“We sent out multiple letters to parents to keep the hype up. It became a collaborative process between teachers and learners.  I reminded them every other day.

"We always reminded them about the recycling process of stomping on the bottles, the bottle caps, and emptying plastic. Sometimes they would come to school and then other educators would guide them on how to do it; it became a whole collaborative process between teachers and learners. It boosted their confidence and enhanced their teamwork skills.”

Grade 7 pupil Salmaan Hendricks said: "I always felt proud of myself, we had so much fun sorting the stuff.”

School principal Palie Gasant described the win as especially meaningful for the school community.

“This comes at the right time as our school is going through an emotional period, losing one of our staff members. We always knew we were going to win this. The strategy was to get the younger teachers involved because they have a more eager and vibrant approach to these projects. Our school has a unique culture, and this makes us special.”

At the prize handover, Petco's Junaid Francis congratulated the pupils and teachers from Liesbeeck Primary involved in this competition.

“Your efforts have kept bottles and jars out of the environment, out of the landfill and out of the oceans. You have reminded all of us that when we work together, we can make a difference in South Africa.”

Grandmaster Ready D said the project showed the power of early environmental education.

"When we teach kids about environmental responsibility early on, we empower them to make better choices for their future and influence the households they come from," he said.