Against the backdrop of South Africa’s deepening waste crisis, one organisation making a marked difference is the Eastern Cape branch of the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) at their 2026 Waste Conference taking place on 7- 8 May in East London.
This conference will serve as the platform for the introduction of two significant new awards: the Eastern Cape Schools Recycling Awards and the Informal Recyclers Awards.
A shift in thinking
The Eastern Cape Schools Recycling Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate schools that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to recycling during 2025. Prizes will be awarded to the top five schools across two categories:
- Total volume recycled
- Total average volume recycled per pupil.
In addition, the Eastern Cape Informal Recyclers Award is a long-overdue acknowledgement of the informal recyclers who quietly and consistently divert vast quantities of waste from South Africa’s already overburdened landfills. Applying the same evaluation criteria as the schools awards, this new category places informal recyclers where they rightfully belong – an essential part of the recycling conversation. Together, these two awards reflect a broader and more inclusive vision for waste management in the Eastern Cape – one that draws on the efforts of schools, communities, and individuals alike.
How to get involved
Collection programme partners and participating organisations are invited to submit information to ensure their schools and informal recyclers are included in the evaluation process. Submissions should include:
- Names of all schools and individuals that have participated in recycling activities during 2025.
- Recycling volumes collected per school and individual from January to December 2025, preferably broken down monthly or according to your reporting structure.
- Any supporting notes or highlights showcasing exceptional performance, improvements, or special initiatives (optional but strongly encouraged).
This information will be used by the IWMSA and programme partners to ensure a fair, accurate, and comprehensive assessment of all participants.
Building a culture of environmental accountability
The 2026 Eastern Cape Waste Conference and its new awards represent more than an event – they represent a commitment. A commitment to recognising those who act, to inspiring those who have yet to start, and to building a culture of environmental responsibility from the classroom to the kerbside. The IWMSA Eastern Cape Branch invites all eligible schools, collection partners, recycling programme coordinators, and informal recyclers to be part of this significant initiative. The waste crisis facing South Africa is real – but so is the resolve of those determined to turn the tide.
Event at a glance
- Date: 8 May 2026 | Time: 12h00 – 13h00
- Venue: Stirling High School, East London
- Submission Deadline: 17 April 2026, by 16h30
For further information and award submissions, please contact: Bayanda Njeza Conference Queries: Lizl Badenhorst – Eastern Cape Branch Manager
Chelsea Gillespie
infrastructurenews.co.za