At The Waste Trade Company, we believe that recycling isn't just about waste—it's about worth. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our newest initiative in partnership with PETCO: a Carton Recycling Competition that brings eco-action straight to the heart of our schools!

20 schools have been carefully selected from our Schools Recycling Project to take part in this exciting challenge. These schools have already shown dedication to the cause, and now they’ll be putting their passion for the planet to the test by collecting cartons—think long-life milk and juice boxes, Tetra Pak containers, and other similar packaging.

But here’s the twist: instead of awarding the school with the highest total volume, we’re leveling the playing field by calculating the kilograms of cartons collected per capita. “That way it doesn't matter if you only have 30 learners or 1000, as each individual makes a difference,” says Emmy from TWTC. It’s not about size, it’s about impact.

Competition Dates: 15 August – 31 October 2025
Participating Schools: 20 across the Eastern Cape


How Winners Are Chosen: Carton kg collected ÷ number of learners

Sponsored by PETCO, prizes will empower schools to continue their recycling efforts long after the competition ends:

1st Place: 4 colour-coded separation@source bins branded with the school logo, eco-club care packs, and 15 bulk bags
2nd Place: 4 bins, eco-club care packs, and 10 bulk bags
3rd Place: 3 bins, eco-club care packs, and 5 bulk bags

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Why Cartons Matter

Carton recycling in South Africa has grown significantly in recent years, but it still faces challenges. These seemingly simple containers are made of layered materials—typically paperboard, plastic, and sometimes aluminum—making them harder to recycle than single-material packaging. However, thanks to innovations in recycling technology and organizations like PETCO, we’re making it easier for more communities to participate.
Recycling cartons reduces landfill waste, conserves resources, and supports South Africa’s shift toward a circular economy. Every juice box counts!

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To all the schools taking part—thank you for being leaders in environmental change. Whether your school is big or small, every learner, every carton, and every eco-action matters. We can't wait to see how your efforts stack up. 

Let the collection begin—and may the greenest school win!

 😃