In recognition of Global Recycling Day on 18 March 2025, the City’s Urban Waste Management Directorate highlighted its mission to encourage young minds and their schools to help reduce plastic pollution through creative, innovative, sustainable solutions. An exhibition was also setup at the Cape Town Civic Centre to educate the public on waste management
On Global Recycling Day, the City’s Urban Waste Management’s Public Education and Awareness team visited Westlake Primary School to discuss the important role the school, including learners and staff, can play in protecting our environment for generations to come.
The interactive programme was jam-packed with tips and reminders about reducing and diverting various kinds of waste from landfills.
During the event, learners also saw first-hand how they can creatively use litter for functional purposes by creating ecobricks. These building blocks are made with 2L bottles stuffed with litter packaging, for example chip packets, lollipop sticks/packets and empty ice suckers. These ecobricks can then be used to create furniture such as chairs, tables and book shelves, which can be used by the learners and staff.
‘As a City, we are constantly looking at ways to better manage and reduce waste. Our society is burdened by waste so innovation and creativity are absolutely critical to reduce waste to the levels we need to be sustainable.
‘The City’s Urban Waste management team with our anti-litter mascot Bingo are on a mission all-year-round, driving enthusiasm for the environment, and motivating the younger generation to dispose of waste responsibly, and to recycle turning waste into opportunities that can benefit the schools and our children.
‘All of us generate waste so all of us have the collective responsibility to manage it correctly, and reduce it as much as possible, through initiatives such as recycling.
‘We encourage residents to please check if they fall in the catchment of the City’s kerbside recycling collection service known as Think Twice. They can do this on the City’s updated waste recyclers map. The map also gives details of local recycling companies or initiatives that may be interested in your recyclables if you do not yet benefit from the City’s service. Residents are also reminded that City drop offs are available to accept recyclables free of charge to the public.
‘There is room for all of us, from the youngest to the seniors, to work together to protect our environment,’ said Alderman Grant Twigg, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management.
By November 2024, Bingo had made over 600 appearances at schools, beaches and sporting events, and during the festive season, Bingo made a further 352 visits.
Despite a recent hijacking, Bingo is available for bookings. We encourage the public to book Bingo here to help drive and share the anti-litter message in a fun, interactive way. Please note that capacity is limited and booking Bingo is on a first-come, first-served basis.
WHAT: Global Recycling Day Initiative and Exhibition
LEAD PHOTO: From left, Cindy Jacobs from Environmental Management’s Smart Living Programme, with Alderman Grant Twigg, the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management (UWM), with Yonela Mngqibisa from UWM’s Public Education and Awareness team at the Global Recycling Day exhibition
