The initiative aimed to encourage learners to take ownership of their environmental impact while fostering healthy competition between schools, teachers and families, says Petco.

Congratulations was given to Liesbeeck Primary School, who was crowned the overall winner of the Petco's 'Get In The Loop Schools Recycling Competition'. The school's commitment to environmental responsibility, consistent participation and strong community mobilisation aimed to set them apart, adds Petco.

Their dedication also aimed to reflect the power of youth-driven action and to highlight how schools can lead meaningful transformation in their communities, says Petco.

Top Three Schools

  • First Place: Liesbeeck Primary School: Recycled 674.80 kg.
  • Second Place: Wavecrest Primary School: Recycled 587 kg.
  • Third Place: Caradale Primary School: Recycled 487.10 kg.

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 aims to strengthen South Africa's circular economy and to ensure valuable materials remain in circulation, says Petco.

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, aimed to equip learners with real-world skills they could share with their households, extending the project's impact beyond the school grounds, adds Petco.

"We sent out multiple letters to parents to keep the hype up, it became a collaborative process between teachers and learners. 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," says Mrs Kassiem, Grade 4 Teacher at Liesbeeck Primary School.

"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," says Kassiem.

"I always felt proud of myself — we had so much fun sorting the stuff," says Salmaan Hendricks, a Grade 7 learner at Liesbeeck Primary School.

"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," says Mr Gasant, School Principal of Liesbeeck Primary School.

"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," says Gasant.

In a prize handover, Petco's Junaid Francis congratulated the learners and teachers from Liesbeeck Primary involved in this competition, adds Petco.

"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," says Francis.

"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," says Grandmaster Ready D.

"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," concludes Grandmaster Ready D.

For more information, visit www.petco.co.za. You can also follow Petco on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor