Liesbeeck Primary School wins Petco's Get In The Loop Schools Recycling Competition

In an inspiring display of environmental stewardship and community spirit, five schools in Mitchells Plain competed in the Petco’s Get In The Loop Schools Recycling Competition. Held in September 2025, this dynamic initiative aimed not only to uplift local communities but also to foster a long-term recycling culture among young learners. Supported by Petco and renowned local artist Grandmaster Ready D through his programme G-CAP, the competition encouraged students to take ownership of their environmental impact while engaging in healthy rivalry.

Crowned the overall winner, Liesbeeck Primary School distinguished itself with an impressive recycling total of 674.80 kg. Their exceptional commitment to environmental responsibility, consistent participation, and strong community mobilisation not only reflected their dedication but also the power of youth-The competition also had driven action in leading meaningful transformation within their communities.

The top contenders

• 1st Place: Liesbeeck Primary School - Recycled 674.80 kg
• 2nd Place: Wavecrest Primary School - Recycled 587 kg
• 3rd Place: Caradale Primary School - Recycled 487.10 kg

The competition also had a much broader impact, with a staggering 2.5 tonnes of waste diverted from local landfill sites, that are already facing space constraints. Through diligent sorting and collection efforts, recyclable materials that would have otherwise added to landfill overflow were redirected to certified recycling hubs. This careful waste management is vital in strengthening South Africa’s circular economy, ensuring that valuable materials remain in circulation.

Community education and environmental awareness

The programme's success was not just about competition; it also focused on community education and recycling awareness. Throughout the campaign, learners received practical training on effective recycling practices, encompassing essential methods such as proper waste separation and identification of recyclable materials. Workshops and demonstrations, supported by Petco and G-CAP, empowered students with the knowledge to share these real-world skills with their households, extending the project’s impact far beyond school walls.

Grade 4 teacher, Mrs Kassiem, spoke of their winning strategy: “We sent out multiple letters to parents to keep the hype up; it became a collaborative process between teachers and learners. I reminded them every other day about how to recycle – stomping on bottles, removing bottle caps, and emptying containers. Other educators also guided them, making the entire effort a collective achievement that boosted their confidence and teamwork.”

Grade 7 learner,Salmaan Hendricks, enthusiastically recounted the experience: “I always felt proud of myself… we had so much fun sorting the stuff.”

 Wahied Gasant, deputy principal at Liesbeeck Primary was equally delighted. “This win comes at the right time as our school is going through an emotional period losing one of our staff members. We always knew we were going to win this; the strategy was to get younger teachers involved because they have a more eager and vibrant approach to these projects. Our school has a unique culture that makes us special. We are extremely grateful for this achievement.”

In a vibrant prize handover, Petco's Junaid Francis congratulated the learners and teachers from Liesbeeck Primary, expressing that their efforts had significantly "kept bottles and jars out of the environment, out of the landfill and out of the oceans." He reminded everyone that their collaboration makes a substantial difference for South Africa.

Grandmaster Ready D added, “The project had a meaningful and uplifting impact on the learners. You could feel their excitement as they discovered how recycling works and why it matters. Teaching kids about environmental responsibility early on empowers them to make better choices for their future.”