The Waste Trade Company Celebrates 11 Years of Sustainability at SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees

KIRKWOOD, EASTERN CAPE – As the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees marks its 22nd anniversary, The Waste Trade Company (TWTC) proudly celebrates its 11th consecutive year as the festival’s official Green Ambassador—once again leading the way in turning South Africa’s wildest family festival into one of its most environmentally conscious events.

Founded in 1998 by Howard Bulkin, TWTC is a Nelson Mandela Bay-based leader in sustainable waste management. With a deep-rooted mission to transform waste into opportunity, the company blends innovation, environmental stewardship, and community upliftment to create lasting impact.

At this year’s Wildsfees, TWTC brings a powerful combination of expertise, infrastructure, and partnerships to ensure the festival’s green footprint grows stronger than ever before.

Partnering with local waste entrepreneur Heid Cherry, owner of Sunday’s River Valley Recycling, TWTC is supporting the operations of her team of 30 staff—providing training, logistical backing, and access to a broader client network. This mentorship reflects TWTC’s unwavering belief in empowering grassroots entrepreneurs and building sustainable local economies.

TWTC also mobilizes 20 in-house staff members, spanning management, sorters, drivers, educators, and promotional teams—alongside 20 Green Ambassadors from local schools, giving young people valuable work experience and exposure to environmental careers.

Behind the scenes, a comprehensive waste management system is in motion:

Roughly 20 clearly marked recycling stations are placed throughout the festival grounds
Two 12-metre containers operate in the waste yard for high-volume sorting
80 reusable cubic metre bags are deployed and rotated daily to manage collection efficiently
All waste is sorted on-site to prevent contamination and maximize recycling success
Beyond logistics, TWTC is deeply invested in education and advocacy. Festivalgoers can experience daily puppet shows, interactive recycling games, and eco-craft installations in the Walk on the Wildside marquee, designed to spark awareness and action in a fun, family-friendly setting.

“Partnering with the Wildsfees for the 11th year is not just an honour—it’s a responsibility we take to heart,” says Kay Hardy, Director of TWTC. “From empowering local entrepreneurs like Heidi to mentoring future Green Ambassadors, every part of our involvement is about investing in people, the planet, and the possibility of a better future.”

Phrosné Phillips, Wildsfees Health and Safety Contractor and sustainability coordinator, adds:

“The Waste Trade Company doesn’t just manage our waste—they help shape the values we want our festival to stand for. Their educational efforts and hands-on support bring real change to our event and community.”

Whether you’re snapping selfies at the Tree of Life, enjoying a puppet show, or sorting your trash at a recycling station, your participation matters. By supporting the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees and TWTC, you’re choosing a cleaner, greener tomorrow for Nelson Mandela Bay Metro—and beyond.