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 partnership with Mr Bin and 10 schools in Kwa-Zulu Natal in partnership with Phoenix For The Planet. This is in addition to the schools in the Western Cape with who are already engaged in the 2024 interschools 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. By transforming what would otherwise be waste into a monetary resource, learners learn the profound impact of their actions on the environment and their community,” explains Kishan Singh, CEO of MetPac-SA.

Background to the project

The Trash4Treats competition engages learners by encouraging them to collect metal cans, amongst other recyclables, which are then recycled to generate funds for their schools. In recognition of their efforts, learners are rewarded based on the number of cans collected—every 25 cans bring a reward. The competition also features a pledge system, which further motivates learners to participate and embrace sustainable practices.

This ambitious initiative was first launched in the Western Cape in 2019 and continues to foster environmental stewardship and community engagement among primary school learners by raising awareness about the high recycling value of recycled metal packaging. Learners and teachers must bring clean and sorted recyclables to school. In return, schools are provided with posters as well as igloo bins and bulk bags to collect and store recyclables. Schools that collect the most recyclable waste per capita will win a portion of R60 000 for upgrades to their school.

Increasing the footprint to other provinces

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

Shilpa Rama-Madhav, Senior Account Manager at [dot]GOOD, says the Trash4Treats teams have worked diligently to educate learners about the importance of recycling and community cleanliness. “Our objectives are to educate, motivate, and equip the learners and teachers, and by extension their communities, with knowledge and practical tools for a sustainable recycling environment. We also aim to continuously increase the tonnage of waste collected and diverted from landfill, with a key focus on metal and metal packaging,” she says.

Activation and awareness days at schools

The activation days at schools are filled with vibrant energy, as learners sing, dance and engaged actively in their learning. This dynamic approach not only makes recycling fun but also embeds lasting values in the learners.

Emphasising the educational value of the initiative, Shilpa states that the initiative has proven to be a powerful tool for education and community development, fostering a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness among young learners.

“It is exciting to see how the project has increased metal recycling over the years. In 2019 we only collected 512 kgs of metals, compared to the more than 8 154 kg we have already recorded to date from the participating schools. Moreover, this project has generated a significant income in 2024 alone for the schools through sale of their recyclable waste. With more collection days still to take place during the last three months of the year, and thanks to the involvement of other PRO’s also coming alongside us, we are confident that this project will continue to grow in leaps and bounds,” Shilpa reports.