The results will be revealed on 25 November at SAB Cyril Ramaphosa World of Learning in Kyalami and the ceremonious occasion will announce the leading schools in waste recycling.
The ABI Schools Recycling Programme was established five years ago to lay a foundation among school pupils and to make them aware of the importance of waste management and recycling.
The long-term objective focused on changing the mindset of the next generation of South Africans. Since inception, over 350 000 pupils have participated in the recycling programme with more than 11 000 teachers actively involved in collecting a minimum of 1 000kgs of waste, making the schools eligible to win prizes and recognition for their efforts.
Sustainable development manager of ABI, Gaopaleloe Mothoagae said, “The Schools Recycling Programme is a key component of ABI’s integrated waste management approach, and makes a significant contribution to the environmental responsibility within our value chain. For us as a business, getting young pupils involved in recycling at an early age increases environmental awareness, including the ability to manage waste by the time they are adults.”
He said the parents of the pupils also gradually become conscious of waste management and often get involved in the recycling process as well with their children.
Much of the programme’s success can be linked to the way it combines learning about important environmental concerns with having fun.
“14 schools from Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal and North West, among others, will go head-to-head in the 2015 School Recycling Awards. Adjudicators have just concluded their school visits for assessment and are currently finalising their findings.”
