Who will be SA’s top recycling school?

The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) is calling on schools across Gauteng, the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and the Greater Durban and Pietermaritzburg regions to take part in its exciting 2026 Annual Schools Competition, an initiative designed to inspire environmental responsibility while rewarding school communities for their efforts.

The competition challenges schools to collect as many glass bottles and jars as possible, encouraging learners, parents and teachers to work together to reduce litter, keep glass out of landfills and build long-term recycling habits. Schools stand a chance to win cash prizes of up to R74 300, of annual prizes awarded to top-performing schools in each province.

Participation is simple. Schools can enter at any time during the year and will remain eligible for monthly prizes once registered. Each participating school will receive a dedicated glass bank for the duration of the competition, making it easy for learners and parents to drop off their glass bottles and jars.

Beyond the prizes, TGRC says the competition plays a powerful role in creating a ripple effect that extends beyond school gates and into homes and communities.

“By teaching children, the value of recycling at school, we are helping to create a cycle of positive behaviour that carries into households and everyday life,” says Shabeer Jhetam, CEO of The Glass Recycling Company. “Learners become ambassadors for recycling in their families and communities, encouraging parents and caregivers to change how they dispose of glass. Over time, this turns recycling into a lifestyle rather than a once-off activity, keeping more glass out of landfills and building a culture of environmental responsibility from a young age.”

To take part, schools must:

• Have a TGRC glass bank on site
• Complete the entry form and as well as glass bank application form if there isn’t a glass bank on site
• Encourage their school community to bring glass for recycling regularly

The competition also supports national efforts to improve recycling rates and reduce environmental pollution, while giving schools a practical way to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable South Africa.

TGRC hopes the 2026 competition will see even more schools joining the movement and turning recycling into a shared school-wide mission.

“Together, we’re building a culture of recycling that lasts,” adds Jhetam. “With every bottle and jar collected, schools are making a real difference while standing a chance to win big for their learners.”

Schools interested in participating can register throughout the year.

For more information or to enter the competition, contact: Palesa Makane on palesa@tgrc.co.za or 011 463 5644