As part of our ongoing mission to instil a culture of recycling and environmental responsibility among the next generation, Petco recently opened the Dooka Primary School Recycling Station in the North West town of Moretele.

Our goal was to accelerate the practice of separation at source (S@S) at the school and to educate its learners on why this is such a critical component in reducing waste’s impact on the environment.

For Petco, it was also inspiring to find that the 5Rs of waste management – refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle – have already become an integral part of the learners’ mindset. Credit for achieving such environmental consciousness among the learners especially needs to go to Mrs Baloyi, who is Dooka Primary’s environmental health coordinator.

This initiative highlights Petco’s dedication to bringing visibility and support to underserved areas, and cultivates a positive environmental ethos through education and active participation in the waste management and recycling space.

The recycling station launch brought together more than 400 individuals, comprising a diverse group of stakeholders, including government representatives, environmental clubs, the Department of Education, and learners.