Working with municipalities is key to expanding Petco’s efforts and supporting effective waste management in South Africa.

In March and April, the team seized two opportunities to collaborate with Pikitup, the official integrated waste management service provider for the City of Johannesburg.

To mark International Day of Zero Waste on March 30, together with Rand Water, the partners hosted a recycling awareness workshop for young and old at Kanana Park.

The 84 participants – including SMMEs, cooperatives, waste pickers, youth, community members, and primary school learners – learned about the importance of community participation in creating cleaner public spaces, reducing waste and illegal dumping, conserving resources, and promoting a sustainable circular economy.

The workshop covered all aspects of environmental sustainability – from the value of recycling and opportunities available within the sector, to best recycling practices and responsible water use.

Two weeks later, Petco and Pikitup teamed up with Metpac-SA for another recycling workshop and clean-up campaign in Zola, a Soweto community.

In a similar vein, we showcased the practical importance of cleaning illegal dumping sites and highlighted how communities can generate income through recycling initiatives and responsible waste management.

The team trained 112 participants, including SMMEs, cooperatives, and waste pickers, on the fundamentals of recycling, the availability of equipment and infrastructure support, and how PROs are helping government to integrate waste pickers into the recycling value chain.

Through collaboration and education, we continue empowering communities to become active contributors towards a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.