Africazine:
Pupils from Laerskool Verkenner have made a significant impact in promoting recycling in the Eastern Cape.
The school won the 2026 Glass Recycling Schools Competition by collecting 82,598kg of glass. Laerskool Kabega and Little Eagles Play & Pre School followed with collections of 74,332kg and 14,918kg, respectively, contributing to a total of nearly 172 tonnes of glass diverted from landfills.
Laerskool Verkenner Leads Glass Recycling Efforts
Laerskool Verkenner’s achievement reflects a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. The school’s efforts not only earned them a cash prize of R50,000 but also highlighted the importance of community involvement in recycling initiatives.
The Glass Recycling Company’s CEO, Shabeer Jhetam, emphasized the significance of the combined total collected by the three schools, equating to more than 688,000 bottles. This effort demonstrates the potential impact of sustained behavior change in recycling habits.
Eastern Cape Schools Unite for Recycling
The competition showcased how schools and communities can align to promote recycling. Jhetam noted that glass recycling plays a critical role in South Africa’s circular economy, as it can be recycled indefinitely without losing quality.
Laerskool Kabega and Little Eagles Play & Pre School also received cash prizes of R20,000 and R10,000, respectively, reinforcing the competitive spirit among schools to contribute to environmental sustainability.
Next Steps for Schools and Communities
- Families are encouraged to separate glass for recycling.
- Glass recycling banks are available at schools and public sites.
- Interested schools can sign up for the competition by emailing palesa@tgrc.co.za.
Community efforts in recycling can lead to significant environmental benefits.
