Cape Town – Five schools participated in a community-driven recycling competition with support from Petco, Grandmaster Ready D, and his programme G-CAP.
In September 2025, five schools in Mitchells Plain competed in a dynamic recycling competition aimed at uplifting local communities, reducing waste, and building long-term recycling awareness among young learners.
The initiative encouraged learners to take ownership of their environmental impact while fostering healthy competition between schools, teachers, and families.
Congratulations to Liesbeeck Primary School, which was crowned the overall winner of Petco’s Get In The Loop Schools Recycling Competition.
The school’s exceptional commitment to environmental responsibility, consistent participation, and strong community mobilisation set them apart.
Their dedication reflects the power of youth-driven action and highlights how schools can lead meaningful transformation in their communities.
Top three schools
- 1st Place — Liesbeeck Primary School: Recycled 674.80 kg
- 2nd Place — Wavecrest Primary School: Recycled 587 kg
- 3rd Place — Caradale Primary School: Recycled 487.10 kg
As much as 2,5 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill
The campaign successfully diverted waste away from Western Cape landfill sites, many of which face capacity constraints.
Through dedicated sorting and collection efforts, recyclable materials that would otherwise have contributed to landfill overflow were redirected to certified recycling hubs.
This waste diversion strengthens South Africa’s circular economy and ensures valuable materials remain in circulation.
Community education and recycling awareness
Throughout the campaign, learners received practical training on correct recycling practices – from how to separate recyclable packaging from waste, identifying recyclable materials, and the different waste streams.
Workshops and demonstrations, supported by Petco and G-CAP, equipped learners with real-world skills they shared with their households, extending the project’s impact far beyond the school grounds.
Grade 4 teacher Kassiem shared their winning strategy.
“We sent out multiple letters to parents to keep the hype up; it became a collaborative process between teachers and learners,” she said.
“I reminded them every other day.
“We always reminded them about the recycling process of stomping on the bottle, the bottle caps, and emptying plastic. “
Kassiem added: “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.”
An excited Grade 7 learner, Salmaan Hendricks, shared: “I always felt proud of myself… we had so much fun sorting the stuff.”
School Principal Mr. Gasant was chuffed by the achievement.
“This win 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.
“This was a collaborative effort between learners, teachers, and parents.
“Our school has a unique culture, and this makes us special. We are extremely grateful.”
In a prize handover, Petco’s Junaid Francis congratulated the learners 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’ve reminded all of us that when we work together, we can make a difference in South Africa.”
Grandmaster Ready D concluded: “The project had a meaningful and uplifting impact on the learners at Liesbeeck Primary.
“You could feel their excitement as they discovered how recycling works and why it matters.
“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. I’m truly inspired by their effort and commitment.
“This win for Liesbeek Primary is a reminder of what’s possible when schools, partners, and communities work together.
Petco said the bottles and cartons the participating schools brought in actually have value and have contributed towards people’s livelihoods, even helping put food on the table for others.
“You’ve also helped make sure these items stay out of the environment, off our beaches and out of the oceans, where they can harm birds, fish and turtles,” Petco said.
“And just a reminder, the recycling doesn’t end here.
“After this competition, we want you to continue being the recycling champions and heroes that you’ve become.
“Congratulations, and thank you.”
For more information on Petco, visit: https://petco.co.za/
Follow Petco on:
Facebook: facebook.com/Petco.OfficialInstagram: @petco.officialLinkedIn: Petco Official
Partner Links:
G-CAP: @gcap.zaGrandmaster Ready D: @djreadyd | Website
