Fibre Circle Celebrates Recycling Champions in Schools

Fibre Circle Celebrates Recycling Champions in Schools. Fibre Circle, the producer responsibility organisation for South Africa’s paper and paper packaging sector, has honoured schools and learners for their environmental efforts in the inaugural Zithande Mzansi Back2School Recycling Competition. The initiative, launched earlier this year, encourages schools to embrace recycling as part of responsible waste management and the principles of a circular economy.

The prize handover ceremony was hosted at Palmview Primary School, which emerged as the overall winner. Between January and March 2026, the school collected an impressive 2,389 kg of recyclable paper waste, achieving the highest per‑learner collection ratio among participating schools. Palmview received a prize package valued at R30,000, awarded in the form of equipment, educational resources, and tools to directly benefit learners and enhance the school’s learning environment.

Recognising Top Performers

• Second Prize (R20,000): Olympia Primary School
• Third Prize (R10,000): Northview Primary School

These schools demonstrated exceptional commitment to recycling, inspiring learners to become active custodians of the environment.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dumisani Khumalo of Fibre Circle praised the schools’ dedication: “These schools have shown how young people can play a meaningful role in creating cleaner, more sustainable communities. We encourage learners to continue recycling and inspiring others to take positive action for the environment.”

The competition also highlighted the importance of partnerships with recycling SMMEs and collection partners. Their role in supporting schools and strengthening local recycling value chains was recognised as vital to advancing South Africa’s circular economy.

Phoenix for the Planet received the Top SMME Collector Award for its outstanding contribution, motivating learners and collecting the highest volume of recyclable paper waste among participating collectors.

Fibre Circle extended appreciation to municipalities, educators, parents, and local stakeholders whose support helped drive awareness and participation. The organisation emphasised that the initiative is not only about diverting waste from landfills but also about empowering communities to adopt sustainable practices.