TGRC schools competition targets South Africa’s glass waste challenge

SOUTH AFRICA – The Glass Recycling Company (TGRC) has launched a call for schools across South Africa to participate in its 2026 Annual Schools Competition, Glass, Class and Cash.

This initiative combines environmental education, community action and financial rewards in a bid to tackle the country’s growing waste challenge.

The competition invites schools in Gauteng, the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and the Greater Durban and Pietermaritzburg regions to collect as many glass bottles and jars as possible over the year.

Top-performing schools in each province stand to win cash prizes of up to R74,300, with additional monthly prizes available once schools are registered.

Beyond the incentives, TGRC says the program plays an important role in addressing a national issue.

South Africa generates an estimated 108 million tonnes of waste each year, with around 90% of this ending up in landfills.

Many landfill sites, particularly in major metros, are nearing capacity, raising long-term environmental and economic concerns for municipalities.

Glass recycling offers a clear opportunity for improvement. While South Africa has made progress in diverting glass from landfill, recycling rates have been reported at over 40% in recent years, millions of bottles and jars are still discarded annually.

Unlike many other materials, glass is 100% recyclable and can be reused endlessly without loss of quality, making it a critical material in the transition to a more circular economy.

TGRC’s schools competition is designed to embed recycling habits early. Each participating school receives a dedicated glass bank, making it easy for learners, parents and teachers to drop off glass for recycling.

Schools can join at any time during the year and remain eligible for prizes for the duration of the competition.

According to TGRC CEO Shabeer Jhetam, the long-term value of the initiative lies in behaviour change rather than short-term collections.

“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,” he said.

“Learners become ambassadors for recycling in their families and communities, encouraging parents and caregivers to change how they dispose of glass.”

This ripple effect is particularly important in South Africa, where household separation at source remains inconsistent and awareness levels vary widely across regions.

Programs that link education with practical action can help bridge this gap, while also supporting job creation in the recycling value chain, which already sustains tens of thousands of livelihoods nationally.

To take part in the competition, schools must have a TGRC glass bank on site, complete the entry and glass bank application forms, and actively encourage their school communities to bring glass for recycling on a regular basis.

TGRC says the 2026 edition aims to expand participation and reinforce recycling as a shared, school-wide mission.

“With every bottle and jar collected, schools are making a real difference,” Jhetam added, “while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable South Africa and standing a chance to win meaningful financial support for their learners.”

Schools can register to participate throughout the year.

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