Johannesburg, South Africa – October 2024 – MetPac-SA, the Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO) championing South Africa's metal packaging recycling industry, in partnership with [dot]GOOD, South Africa’s foremost cause-marketing agency, is proud to announce the expansion of the Trash4Treats competition to 25 schools in Gauteng, in collaboration with Mr Bin, and 10 schools in KwaZulu-Natal, in partnership with Phoenix For The Planet. This expansion builds on the success of schools in the Western Cape already engaged in the 2024 inter-schools competition.

“The Trash4Treats project aims to instil a strong understanding of recycling and waste management by directly involving students in the collection and recycling of post-consumer metal packaging. By hosting an inter-schools competition, we are not only able to provide a platform for schools to raise essential funds, but learners also get to experience the principles of a circular economy firsthand," explains Kishan Singh, CEO of MetPac-SA.

Background to the Project

The Trash4Treats competition engages learners by encouraging them to collect metal cans, among other recyclables, which are then recycled to generate funds for their schools. Learners are rewarded for their efforts, receiving a treat for every 25 cans collected. The competition also features a pledge system, motivating learners to embrace sustainable practices.

Launched in the Western Cape in 2019, this initiative has fostered environmental stewardship and community engagement among primary school learners. Participating schools receive posters, igloo bins, and bulk bags to store recyclables. The schools that collect the most waste per capita win a portion of R60 000 for upgrades.

Increasing the Footprint to Other Provinces

The expanded competition was launched in Gauteng with school activation days between 30 July and 29 August 2024, at schools like Diodi Primary, Thobeka Primary, Ditawana Primary, and others in Soweto, Naturena, Malvern, and Sydenham. The KZN launch took place from 19-23 September 2024 at schools such as Allingham Primary, Palmview Primary, and Olympia Primary in Phoenix.

Shilpa Rama-Madhav, Senior Account Manager at [dot]GOOD, highlights, “Our objectives are to educate, motivate, and equip learners, teachers, and their communities with the knowledge and tools for a sustainable recycling environment. We aim to increase the tonnage of waste collected, with a focus on metal packaging.”

Activation and Awareness Days at Schools

The school activation days are lively, with learners participating through singing, dancing, and engaging in educational activities that make recycling fun and memorable. These efforts aim to embed lasting values in the students.

Shilpa adds, “The initiative has proven to be a powerful tool for education and community development, fostering environmental awareness and responsibility among young learners.”

In 2019, the project collected 512 kg of metals. By 2024, the collection had surged to over 8 154 kg, generating significant income for participating schools. More collection days are planned for the year, with additional Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) joining the initiative.

Conclusion

As the Trash4Treats competition expands, MetPac-SA and [dot]GOOD remain committed to empowering young learners with the knowledge and tools to positively impact their communities. This competition exemplifies how collaborative efforts between organisations and schools can drive meaningful environmental change, inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

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