Durban, 3 March 2025. The success of the Metpac-SA Trash4Treats inter-school recycling competition was celebrated in style at a special awards ceremony held recently at Palmview Primary in KwaZulu-Natal. Hosted and sponsored by MetPac-SA in partnership with [dot]GOOD, the event recognised the remarkable efforts of learners, educators, and waste collectors in promoting sustainability through metal packaging recycling.
The Trash4Treats competition, which encourages schools to collect and recycle metal packaging waste, has seen significant growth over the past year, with 65 schools now participating nationwide. Last year’s competition saw an astounding 55 513.6kg of recyclable waste collected across all 45 participating schools, showcasing the powerful impact of environmental education and community engagement.
Palmview Primary Crowned Champions
Palmview Primary emerged as the top-performing school in the KZN region, collecting an impressive 3,197 kg of recyclable waste. Thanks to the active participation of its 562 learners, the school secured first place in the competition, earning them R10 000 in prize money for the school to be spent on upgrades and repairs. Learners and educators alike beamed with pride as they received their well-deserved recognition during the awards ceremony.
Second and third place went to Phoenix Heights Primary and Olympia Primary school respectively, both of which also attended the ceremony to celebrate their achievements. Their dedication to recycling played a crucial role in the overall success of the competition.
Inspiring Speeches and Interactive Learning
The awards event was more than just a celebration – it was an opportunity to educate and inspire. Dr. Kishan Singh, CEO of MetPac-SA, engaged with the learners, teaching them about the vital role of metal packaging in the circular economy and the importance of responsible waste management. He emphasised that recycling is more than just an environmental effort – it has economic and social benefits too.
The principal of Palmview Primary, Dr. D Pillay also addressed attendees, praising the learners for their dedication and hard work. “The enthusiasm of our learners and the commitment of our teachers have been instrumental in making this programme a success. This initiative has taught our children valuable lessons about sustainability that they will carry with them for years to come,” Pillay said.
Adding to the educational aspect of the event, Phoenix for the Planet, a local waste entrepreneur who partnered with Trash4Treats in this competition, provided a hands-on explanation of the recycling process. They demonstrated how collected materials are sorted, processed, and transformed into new products, reinforcing the idea that waste has value. The awards ceremony was also attended by Sharon Kistasamy of Durban Solid Waste, who commended the programme for its role in instilling a culture of recycling among young South Africans.
Growing Nationwide Impact
The Metpac-SA Trash4Treats competition continues to expand its footprint across South Africa, with 30 schools in Cape Town, 10 in KZN, and 25 in Johannesburg now participating. This initiative has proven to be highly effective in diverting metal packaging waste from landfill. The year-on-year impact is evident:
- 2023: 5,482 kg of metal packaging was collected.
- 2024: 6,319 kg of metal packaging was collected – an increase that underscores the programme’s growing success.
- 52% of the metal packaging collected in 2024 came from Gauteng, highlighting strong participation in the region.
Increased Prize Money for 2025
To further encourage participation and reward schools for their efforts, the prize money for the 2025 competition has been increased:
- First prize: R15,000
- Second prize: R10,000
- Third prize: R5,000
These funds will be used by winning schools to invest in much-needed repairs, upgrades, and refurbishments, ensuring that the competition has a lasting impact beyond just recycling efforts.
The Role of Teachers in Driving Success
Reflecting on the programme’s achievements, Shilpa Rama-Madhav, Business Unit Director at [dot]GOOD, emphasised the crucial role that teachers play: “One of the biggest learnings from this initiative is that the commitment of teachers is vital. Their enthusiasm, encouragement, and dedication drive the project forward and inspire the learners to participate actively.”
As the Trash4Treats competition continues to gain momentum, MetPac-SA and [dot]GOOD remain committed to educating and empowering learners to become environmental champions. By instilling sustainable habits at a young age, the programme is shaping a greener, more responsible future for South Africa.
For more information www.dotgood.co.za
