This Women’s Day, Petco and partners held some very special celebrations across five provinces — Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Limpopo, and North West.

The ‘Women in Waste’ celebrations recognised and honoured the dedication, resilience, and contributions of women in the collection and recycling industry, while also appreciating the men who support and protect them while they do this important work.

In partnership with three municipalities, two buy-back centres and one provincial government, we

handed out 350 bulk bags and almost 500 reflector vests to all reclaimers present, including the men, enhancing their visibility and safety during collections

In addition, we issued roughly 350 care kits filled with personal care products. These items address essential personal hygiene needs, ensuring dignity and comfort for women working in challenging conditions.

Here’s a breakdown of the highlights in every province:

• Gauteng: Partnered with a buy-back centre to prepare food for 350 waste pickers. The owner expressed her gratitude for bringing joy to the collectors and putting smiles on their faces, as Petco handed over 120 care kits, 250 reflector vests, and 350 bulk bags.
• Western Cape: Partnered with a local buy-back centre under the Greater Tygerberg Partnership to distribute 16 care kits and reflector vests.
• Eastern Cape: Partnered with King Sabatha Dalindyebo Local Municipality, a buy-back centre and a reclaimers’ forum to distribute 132 care kits and 150 reflectors to support and help improve working conditions for waste pickers at the Mthatha Landfill.
• North West: Partnered with the North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) and a local non-profit organisation to hand out 50 care kits and reflector vests to collectors at the Orkney Landfill.
• Limpopo: Partnered with Polokwane Local Municipality to distribute 30 care kits and reflector vests to collectors at the Mankweng General Waste Transfer Station.

These heartwarming events also had the added benefit of fostering positive relationships and stronger collaboration between reclaimers, buyback centres, stakeholders, and the municipality.