Paper reuse company, Mpact Recycling, has opened entries to their annual Ronnie Recycler schools competition. Nursery, primary and high schools registered with Mpact Recycling in Johannesburg, Springs, Pretoria, Midrand, Durban, Richards Bay and Cape Town can win their share of R140 000 in prize money for helping their school to recycle. For the opportunity to compete, schools must complete an entry form available on the Mpact Recycling website and collect more paper than any other school in their area.

Additionally, schools must be registered with Mpact Recycling, and have collected and supplied Mpact Recycling with a minimum of 8 tonnes (8 000 kgs) of paper between the 2 June and 2 October this year. Details of how to get schools involved can be found on www.mpactrecycling.co.za.

“To achieve this, ensure that your schools Ronnie bank or Ronnie bags are full and ready for your regular weekly or bi-weekly collections and remember to log your collection,” says John Hunt, managing director of Mpact Recycling.

Each of the seven regions has a prize allocation of R20 000.* The winning school receives a prize of R10 000*, second place receives R5 000 and third place receives R3 000.  In addition, the winning school’s green ambassador as well as the green student each receive R1 000 cash.

“The competition began this year aims to encourage learners to recycle paper. This contributes towards the about 450 000 tonnes of paper per annum which Mpact Recycling collects and impacts positively on reducing waste-to-landfill,” says Hunt

Ongoing effort

In an effort to instil the culture of recycling, Mpact Recycling also runs the Ronnie Recycler Programme that allows schools to raise funds by recycling paper while providing learners with environmental awareness.

Schools are given a Ronnie Bank or Ronnie recycling bags for the easy collection and storage of their recycled paper. The general community can also support schools, community organisations and charities by placing their paper in the igloo-shaped green Ronnie Banks located countrywide.

“We would like to encourage more schools to take part in the competition as it is a great way to teach our children about the importance of recycling and the direct benefits which it has on our environment,” concludes Hunt.

*(Please see www.mpactrecycling.co.za as terms & conditions apply).