It's no surprise that recycling is becoming a trend in Port Elizabeth.  Over the last two years we have definitely seen a change in the local mindset - in the past, the average Joe would see recycling as an effort, and would often ask, "What's in it for me? - Nowadays we often have people asking where their nearest recycling drop off point is. 

That being said, there is still a lot of work to be done. The Waste Trade Company understands the problem that we are currently faced with in terms of our waste.  South Africa's waste problem is unique in itself as we are a diverse nation, with many different cultures and languages. 

Socio-economic factors play a strong role in the slow adoption rate of recycling in the informal sector as people's priorities differ widely. Sadly, poverty still prevails in many areas, which makes it difficult to prioritize recycling. 

This is one of the many reasons why we introduced The Schools Recycling Project.  The project speaks to schools in all areas and on many different levels.  We have seen teachers integrate recycling into many different lesson plans, schools have been forming Enviro-Clubs and going green has become an extracurricular activity.

The Schools Recycling Project is doing very well, and schools are standing in line to book their assembly talks, depot tours and other fun educational activities.  Rendani, the Schools Project Co-ordinator visits schools every day to ensure that they have the resources that they need and to assist them in motivating the pupils and teachers.