Join the 2026 annual Schools Competition for Glass Recycling

The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) is making a heartfelt call to schools across Gauteng, the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and the Greater Durban and Pietermaritzburg regions to participate in the upcoming 2026 Annual Schools Competition. This initiative aims to inspire environmental responsibility amongst learners while rewarding schools for their collective efforts in promoting recycling.

The competition invites students, teachers, and parents to join forces in a race to collect the highest number of glass bottles and jars. With cash prizes amounting to R74 300 available for each province, schools are motivated not just by the potential rewards, but by the opportunity to instill lasting recycling habits in their communities.

Participation is straightforward. Schools can join at any point during the year and remain eligible for monthly prizes upon registration. Each participating institution will receive a dedicated glass bank, providing a convenient drop-off point for glass items, thus facilitating the recycling process for learners and their families.

More than just an incentive for schools, TGRC emphasises the broader environmental impact of this competition. “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,” explains Shabeer Jhetam, CEO of TGRC. He notes that learners become ambassadors for recycling within their families, encouraging a shift in how glass waste is managed long after students leave the classroom.

To participate, schools must meet a few key requirements:

• Have a TGRC glass bank on site, or apply for one if it is not yet available.
• Complete the entry form for the competition.
• Motivate their school community to bring glass items for recycling regularly.

The competition actively supports national goals to enhance recycling rates and mitigate environmental pollution, offering schools a tangible way to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable South Africa. TGRC anticipates that the 2026 initiative will encourage even more schools to embark on this vital mission and create a culture of recycling that resonates throughout school communities.

Schools interested in participating can register any time throughout the year. For further information or to enter the competition, contact Palesa Makane at [email protected] or 011 463 5644.