This World Environment Day, Petco showed up not with speeches, but with sleeves rolled up. In three provinces – Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and the Free State – we teamed up with local partners, municipalities and community members to clean up key areas, sort recyclables, and share practical recycling know-how.

Whether in town centres or on the sidelines of community sports fields, Petco supported those already making a difference – waste pickers, SMMEs, and schoolchildren included. What came through clearly at each event was this: when local communities take action, the results can ripple far beyond the day.

In Giyani, Limpopo, Petco supported a local initiative led by Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET), the Greater Giyani Municipality, and a nearby buy-back centre. Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) beneficiaries, waste pickers and SMMEs teamed up to clean key parts of the town, including the taxi rank and a hardware retail area. Recyclables were also separated and weighed on site – with 103 kilograms collected, including 36kg of PET.

Meanwhile, in the Free State, Petco partnered with the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA), Urban Surfer and Dream Team Capital to back a full week of awareness and clean-up events in the Lejweleputswa district. Over 80 participants took part in practical workshops focused on waste sorting, recycling opportunities, and building a stronger circular economy. Petco also donated 500 bulk bags – more than 80 of which were filled during the clean-up.

In Mpumalanga, the Simon Gondwe Sports Centre in Botleng, Delmas, hosted an event led by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) and the Victor Khanye Local Municipality. With over 100 participants, including schoolchildren, the campaign empowered communities with practical recycling knowledge while improving the area’s cleanliness and collective pride.

As one organiser shared: “Today’s activities increased community understanding of waste management and inspired lasting, responsible behaviour.”

Together, these initiatives show what is possible when industry, government and ordinary people work side by side – for cleaner spaces and a more sustainable South Africa.