PAPER COLLECTION CAMPAIGN

Fibre Circle, the producer responsibility organisation charged with improving paper collection and recycling in South Africa, has partnered with Trash4Treats in a school recycling initiative. This rewards schools and learners that collect at least two tons of used office paper, worksheets and school books.

Towards the end of 2022, teachers and learners at 30 schools in the Western Cape collected paper for recycling and there were designated paper days when a Trash4Treats team visited the schools to educate teachers and learners about paper recycling. Of the 91 000kg of recyclables collected and diverted from landfill since inception in 2019, 53 000kg has been paper and Fibre Circle sponsored this drive due to the vast amounts of worksheets, printed workbooks and manuals that had accumulated.

Responsible disposal of unwanted paper through recycling is essential and the Trash4Treats programme teaches youngsters that waste has value, instils long term positive recycling habits, encourages learners to care for the environment and to change their behaviour through education, recognition and reward. During 2022, 30 schools competed to collect the most recyclables for prize money that was used for school upgrades.

Until now the project has only targeted areas in the Western Cape but there are plans to extend it to several Gauteng schools in 2023.

www.fibrecircle.co.za