Every five years, Volkswagen Group Africa (VWGA) brings families together for an unforgettable
Family Day, combining fun, connection, and education. This year, The Waste Trade Company
had the privilege of partnering with VWGA to add a green twist to this iconic event at the
Kariega plant. With a team of 36 dedicated staff members on-site, we showcased how
sustainability can be exciting, engaging, and impactful for all ages.

A Day to Remember: Celebrating Community and Green Innovation

At The Waste Trade Company, we believe in turning awareness into action. Partnering with
VWGA for this extraordinary Family Day allowed us to show just how fun and accessible
sustainability can be. Through interactive activities, educational stalls, and hands-on
experiences, we helped families of all ages connect with the importance of responsible waste
management.

From games that sparked curiosity to recycling stations that encouraged active participation,
this event demonstrated that small actions can make a big difference in building a better future
for our planet.

1. Tin Can Toss
This carnival favorite got a sustainable makeover. Players aimed to knock down stacks of cans,
each representing a type of waste while learning about recycling and reuse. The game was as
educational as it was thrilling!

2. Sweep the Yard
In this high-energy challenge, participants worked to “clean up” a simulated play area filled with
litter. The activity taught the value of community responsibility and the impact of keeping spaces
clean.

3. Sorting Sprint Challenge
Racing against the clock, players sorted a mix of items into the correct bins: recyclables,
compostables, and landfill. The fast pace kept things exciting while reinforcing critical
waste-sorting skills.

These games proved that education doesn’t have to be boring—it can be dynamic, interactive,
and fun.

Educational Stalls: Inspiring Change Through Knowledge

Our educational stalls added depth to the day, offering families the chance to dive deeper into
sustainability topics. Each station focused on a critical aspect of waste management and
included demonstrations, tips, and engaging discussions.

Topics Covered:

Recycling Made Simple: Participants learned the dos and don’ts of recycling, ensuring fewer
mistakes at home.
Composting for Beginners: Hands-on demonstrations showed how to turn food scraps into
valuable compost.
Upcycling Creativity: Attendees discovered innovative ways to repurpose old items, giving
them new life while reducing waste.

Our goal was to leave every visitor with actionable steps they could implement in their daily
lives, turning small changes into lasting habits.

Closing the Circle: HB Glass and Glass Filter Media

One of the standout conversations at our stalls was about how we partner with HB Glass to
recycle windscreen glass. This innovative program collects, removes, and recycles old
windscreens, transforming them into glass filter media for water treatment systems.

This process not only reduces landfill waste but also promotes the circular economy by giving
new purpose to discarded materials. It’s an example of sustainability in action, proving that
innovative solutions can close the loop on waste and benefit industries and the environment
alike.

Sustainability in Action: VWGA’s Leadership

Volkswagen Group South Africa has long been at the forefront of sustainable practices, and
their Kariega plant exemplifies their commitment to environmental stewardship. As VWGA’s
trusted waste management partner, The Waste Trade Company ensures that their waste is
managed responsibly and innovatively.

By bringing this partnership to life at Family Day, we demonstrated how these principles extend
beyond the plant to inspire families and communities.

Making an Impact: More Than Just a Fun Day

This Family Day was about more than entertainment—it was about creating lasting change.
Seeing children excitedly sort recyclables or hearing adults say, “I didn’t know that!” was a
powerful reminder of why we do what we do.

Key Lessons for Attendees:
Every Small Action Counts: Picking up litter or sorting waste correctly adds up to significant
change.
Knowledge is Empowerment: Understanding the why behind waste management inspires
better choices.
We’re Stronger Together: Events like these show the power of collective effort in driving
sustainability.
By the end of the day, hundreds of families left inspired to take their newfound knowledge home
and put it into action.

Looking Forward: Building a Greener Future

While VWGA’s Family Day happens only once every five years, its impact will resonate for much
longer. For The Waste Trade Company, it was a milestone event that reinforced our commitment
to educating and inspiring communities about sustainability.

Our Vision:
- Expanding our reach with more educational initiatives.
- Innovating new waste management solutions.
- Strengthening partnerships with like-minded organizations like VWGA and HB Glass.
This day reminded us that progress doesn’t just come from large-scale initiatives; it’s also about
small, everyday actions that collectively create a better tomorrow.

Thank You for Joining the Journey

To Volkswagen Group South Africa, the families who joined us, and our incredible team of 36
staff who made it all possible—thank you for making this event unforgettable. Your energy,
curiosity, and commitment to sustainability inspire us to keep driving forward.

Together, we proved that caring for the planet can be as joyful as it is impactful. Let’s continue
this journey—one action, one event, and one choice at a time.

Here’s to a greener, brighter future for everyone.