By PETCO,
Recycling workshops are about more than just cleaning up the environment – they also give Petco and our various partners the chance to share with the public how they can change their circumstances and earn a livelihood in this industry.
Over the past few months, our Gauteng team has been busy on the ground in different communities, teaching participants how the collection and recycling value chain works and introducing them to the various role players and opportunities in the sector.
Addressing social issues
In June, we conducted a meaningful workshop with almost 100 participants in Thembisa, in partnership with Nhlosenhle Drug and Substance Abuse Treatment Agency, Tembisa Serenity, and MetPac-SA.
The workshop provided a serious platform to support collectors and teach best practices, promote opportunities within the sector, and grow their understanding of how the circular economy works. Importantly, it also addressed the risks and negative impact of drug and substance abuse, and shared information aimed at encouraging healthier lifestyles, responsible decision-making and giving people access to support services.
Providing a pathway to entrepreneurship
Petco was also proud to partner with the Gauteng Department of the Environment’s flagship Bontle ke Botho (BkB) programme, which is aimed at removing illegal dumping, greening public spaces and instilling community pride through active citizenry and clean-up campaigns.
Our team took participants through a comprehensive environmental education and business development session, including how to start a recycling business.
This training aimed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge to help them transition into sustainable income-generating opportunities once their BkB programme contracts come to an end.
The Department followed up with guidance on environmental legislation, compliance requirements, and the various support mechanisms available to SMMEs operating within the sector.
Marking Mandela Day with CoJ
Then, to honour Mandela Day in July, we joined forces with the City of Johannesburg (CoJ), Pikitup and the Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO), for another workshop in Kanana Park.
It was the ideal opportunity to roll out a combination of recycling education, consumer awareness, activities to engage the youth and children, and a clean-up campaign to help the community in taking responsibility for reducing litter.
The celebration included a range of activities aimed at promoting environmental awareness, community participation, and social development.
Aside from teaching the participants about the journey and value of recyclable packaging, our partners at Pikitup explained how CoJ’s municipal waste management service operates, and raised consumers’ awareness of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to supporting responsible waste management practices.
Collaborating to empower collectors
In August, the team conducted a third workshop – this time in Windmill Park, Boksburg, alongside MetPac-SA and The Glass Recycling Company.
As with the previous workshops, the team aimed to empower collectors, with the greater goal of identifying opportunities for increasing the collection and recovery of recyclable materials.
