Polyco and WC Government expand recycling education to 31 schools, reaching an additional 13,700 learners
Polyco and the Western Cape Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning (DEA&DP) have expanded the iThemba Phakama 4Ps (People, Public, Private, Partnership) programme to 31 schools across the province, including 14 additional low-income and no-fee schools added during the 2026 rollout.
The expansion was rolled out across the province throughout April and May, and forms part of a broader effort to scale a practical, community-linked recycling model that connects schools, households and local waste systems.
Under the programme, learners collect recyclable materials, with a strong focus on plastic packaging, from their homes and surrounding communities and bring them to dedicated school-linked recycling hubs. Schools are paid for the plastics and other recyclables collected, creating an additional income stream that can be reinvested into infrastructure improvements and other priority needs.
As part of the initiative, each school received a tailored package of recycling infrastructure, including sorting tables, balers, recycling bins, bulk bags, signage, educational resources, safety PPE, digital scales, and on-site project coordination support.
The 14 schools joining the programme are:
- Witsand Primary School (Atlantis)
- Fisantekraal Primary School (Durbanville)
- Battswood Primary School (Ottery)
- Willows Primary School (Heideveld)
- Chumisa Primary School (Khayelitsha)
- Masonwabe Primary School (Delft)
- Hindle Road West Primary School (Delft)
- Delft Primary School (Delft)
- Bel Porto LSEN School (Lansdowne)
- Hazendal Primary School (Athlone)
- Eldene Primary School (Elsies River)
- Ysterplaat Primary School (Brooklyn)
- Prince Albert Primary School (Prince Albert)
- Irista Primary School (Kuilsriver)
“Our partnership with the Western Cape DEA&DP through the iThemba Phakama 4Ps programme goes beyond simply improving recycling infrastructure,” said Polyco CEO Patricia Pillay. “It’s about helping young people see waste differently, as an opportunity, not just something to throw away. When learners engage with recycling in a real, practical way, it doesn’t stop at school, it carries into their homes and communities. This is how we build real momentum and ensure last-lasting impact.”
Ron Mukanya, Director of Sustainability at the Western Cape DEA&DP said: “We started this initiative to transform how communities interact with waste especially in areas where illegal dumping, plastic pollution, and poor access to recycling services are deeply entrenched. But government can’t do this alone. The success of iThemba Phakama relies on the strength of its partnerships and support from organisations like Polyco plays a vital role in scaling the programme, reaching more schools, and ensuring the model delivers both environmental and social outcomes.”
The 2026 rollout is expected to reach more than 13,700 learners and over 380 educators, while supporting 28 jobs across participating communities. Since the launch, the programme has collected more than 40 tonnes of recyclables and reached over 30,000 learners and more than 900 educators across participating Western Cape schools.
Polyco remains committed to deepening its partnership with the Western Cape DEA&DP and continuing to expand the reach of the iThemba Phakama 4Ps initiative. “Through collaboration and shared investment, we can bring the benefits of recycling infrastructure, education and income-generating opportunities to even more communities,” Pillay concluded.
