Petco Recycling Drive Turns Waste into Worth: Mitchell’s Plain Schools Lead a Green Revolution

Petco Recycling Drive: In Mitchell’s Plain, South Africa, young students are discovering a powerful truth: what was once considered trash can actually be treasure thanks to a major recycling initiative by PETCO.

Schools across the neighbourhood have joined PETCO’s Schools Recycling Competition, launched in August 2025 in collaboration with community leader and DJ GrandMaster Ready D and his youth-organisation G CAP. The programme encourages children to sort clean dry recyclables PET plastic bottles, jars, and liquid-board cartons into colour-coded bins, while keeping organic waste separate.

How the Program Works

• Each participating school competes to collect the most recyclable packaging. The top-collecting school will win a cash prize (up to R 50,000) to improve its facilities.

• PETCO provides colour-coded bins, signage, bulk collection bags, and partners with a local firm, Regenize, to collect and process all recyclables.

• Educational resources including posters and curriculum-aligned lessons help students understand sustainability, waste reduction, and their role in a circular economy.

Impact on Students and Community

At several schools, students are now being called “recycling ambassadors.” For example, at Caradale Primary School, pupils have shifted their perception of waste: what was once “dirt” is now a valuable resource. Teachers report a newfound respect among students for waste-collectors and the planet.

One Grade 7 student, Matthew Gallant, even uses his skateboard to gather bottles around his neighbourhood turning community clean-ups into a fun, personal mission.

Schools are also integrating recycling habits into daily life. Some students have started composting organic waste; others bring sorted recyclables from home. As a result, litter around school premises is visibly decreasing, and families are being inspired to adopt greener habits at home.

A Broader Shift: Recycling as a Way of Life

More than just a competition, PETCO’s initiative aims to foster long-term environmental awareness and community pride. The programme demonstrates that with guidance, infrastructure, and enthusiasm, young people can lead the transformation turning everyday waste into cleaner neighbourhoods, livelihood opportunities, and a sustainable future.

As the competition continues, and schools ramp up collection drives, it’s clear: recycling is no longer just a chore it’s becoming a way of life in Mitchell’s Plain.

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