The City of Cape Town is encouraging schools to place waste reduction and environmental responsibility at the centre of school life as the new academic year begins.
Mayco Member for Urban Waste Management Grant Twigg says teachers should continue integrating waste education into classrooms to help learners understand the impact of littering and poor disposal practices. “Teaching waste awareness from an early age empowers young people to become responsible citizens and environmental leaders within their homes and communities,” said Twigg. “Simple actions can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.”
Practical steps for schools
The City recommends several waste reduction strategies:
- Avoid products with excessive packaging
- Buy in bulk and use refills and concentrates
- Choose products made from recycled or recyclable materials
- Avoid single-use items like disposable plates at school events
- Encourage learners to bring their own containers
- Provide reusable lunch boxes and returnable drink containers
- Start composting and use compost in school food gardens
Recycling programmes
Twigg said the City encourages more schools to implement recycling programmes, which can create small income streams to support school activities. “The City has developed guidelines to assist schools with waste audits, establishing waste management committees, infrastructure needs, and promoting recycling within surrounding communities,” he said.
The guide is available on the City’s website and includes ways to compost organic waste.
Twigg emphasised the urgent need for waste reduction across Cape Town. “When you consider the thousands of tonnes of waste produced in Cape Town each day, it becomes clear that landfill disposal alone is not a sustainable solution,” he said. “While our landfills are well managed, we need to reduce waste at source and significantly increase reuse and recycling. Schools play a critical role in this journey.”
The City’s anti-litter mascot, Bingo, is available to visit schools and educate learners in fun and engaging ways. Bingo helps reinforce positive waste behaviour, including litter prevention, recycling and caring for public spaces.
