The 2026 Waste Khoro got underway in Bloemfontein on Global Recycling Day (March 18) and Petco was proud to be part of this important national conversation.

An annual, three-day event organised by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), it brought together government, industry, researchers, NGOs and waste picker representatives from across South Africa to collaborate on solutions that can accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those linked to sustainable cities, responsible consumption, and partnerships.

This year’s theme was “Waste infrastructure investment towards equitable sustainable waste services.”

Petco was on the speakers’ list and also hosted an exhibition stand at the event, engaging with stakeholders and sharing insights from our work in building and supporting South Africa’s collection and recycling system. The team were encouraged to see that the positive energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to strengthening the waste management sector. Here are some of the highlights from the event.

A clear focus for the country

In her opening remarks, DFFE’s deputy-director general for chemicals and waste management, Mamogala Musekene, outlined the purpose of this year’s Waste Khoro.

The focus is clear: Strengthening collaboration across the value chain, unlocking investment in waste infrastructure, and improving access to waste management services remain critical priorities for South Africa.

The Deputy Minister, Hon. Bernice Swarts, also delivered a keynote address, acknowledging the role of producer responsibility organisations like Petco, producers and industry stakeholders in supporting the growth and implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) in the country.

Petco in the circular economy spotlight

At the Circular Economy Commission, Petco CEO Telly Chauke presented insights into Petco’s ongoing work across the collection and recycling value chain, and shared her perspectives on the evolving EPR landscape and its implications for PROs.

A key message from the session was the importance of compliance and enforcement, alongside the need to protect and strengthen South Africa’s recycling industry. Without these, the long-term success of EPR cannot be realised.

Importantly, the discussion unpacked the 3 key elements of what meaningful collaboration looks like in practice:

1. Lobbying: Working with national departments and municipalities to help shape policy, regulatory frameworks and by-laws, while advocating for infrastructure planning and capital investment that support EPR implementation.
2. Planning: Supporting the integration of EPR into municipal Integrated Waste Management Plans to ensure alignment and efficiency.
3. Leveraging partnerships: Collaborating with provinces, municipalities, waste reclaimers, SMMEs and NGOs to unlock resources, skills and infrastructure across the value chain.

Enabling producer investment through EPR requires trust, underpinned by strong governance and a clear co-investment case. Petco remains committed to working collaboratively and is open to partnerships that strengthen and scale South Africa’s circular economy.

Moving forward

On the final day, Elzabe Rockman, Free State MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs delivered the closing remarks and reiterated the key themes moving forward:

• Waste services: Such services are not optional but institutional and the responsibility of municipalities.
• ⁠Infrastructure investment: This must be matched by capability.
• Circular economy: It is more than an environmental benefit; it must be treated as an economic opportunity.
• Waste picker integration: This is still a priority.
• ⁠Structured collaboration: This requires integrated and coordinated planning and implementation, not only between different levels of government, but also between government, the private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders.

One of the event highlights was the National Waste Management Awards, which recognised provincial departments, municipalities, buy-back centres and waste picker organisations that were setting the standard for best practices in waste reduction, recycling and building a sustainable environment. Petco was proud to see some of the stakeholders we work closely with among the deserving recipients.