Learners set their minds to becoming trash recycling champions

Empty plastic bottles were once just rubbish to learners at Caradale Primary School. Today, these same students see treasure where others see trash.

The change has come through the school’s participation in the Petco Schools Recycling Competition. Deputy Principal Dawn Cockrill says because of the competition, both learners and teachers have completely shifted their mindset about waste.

“Before, empty plastic bottles were just dirt,” said Cockrill. “Now, our learners see their worth. They’ve learnt that recycling can help protect our planet and even create income opportunities for many South Africans who depend on it.”

Students take pride in their new role

Students at Caradale Primary have embraced their roles as recycling ambassadors with enthusiasm.

“They lead clean-ups, remind their classmates to recycle, and do it with so much pride,” said a teacher. “They’ve taken ownership of their school and their environment.”

Grade 7 learner Matthew Gallant exemplifies this new attitude. He uses his skateboard to collect PET plastic bottles around his neighbourhood, bringing them to school for the competition.

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“It’s fun, and I like that I’m helping make our area cleaner,” he said.

Learning comes alive in the classroom

The recycling initiative has also boosted lessons at the school because teachers are using materials from the Pick ‘n Pay Schools Club to integrate sustainability into life skills and natural sciences classes.

“Because the materials are CAPS-aligned, it’s easy to teach,” said Cockrill. “Learners understand where waste goes, why separating matters, and how small actions can make a big difference.”

Learners are also putting theory into practice by composting food waste and keeping organic materials separate from recyclables.

Competition drives community change

The school is competing against several other Mitchell’s Plain schools to collect the most PET plastic bottles, jars, and Liquid Board Packaging cartons. The winning school will receive a prize to upgrade their facilities. The enthusiasm is spreading beyond school gates. Many learners now collect recyclables at home, encouraging their families to participate. This ripple effect is helping reduce litter and ease pressure on local landfills.

Students have also developed new respect for waste pickers and the important environmental work they do in communities.

“We are excited for the collection results and to see which school wins the competition,” said a Petco spokesperson. “Their support helps us build a future where young South Africans grow up understanding the true value of collecting and sorting valuable recyclable packaging.”

The initiative uses educational content developed by Petco in partnership with Schools Club, materials that have reached tens of thousands of students and teachers since 2020. All resources are available free for schools wanting to integrate sustainability into their curriculum.