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How It Works
Collect everyday recyclable items
Store and sort them
Request a collection or drop off nearby
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Encourage learners, staff and families to collect items like Bottle Tops, Bread Tags, Soda Tabs and Takeaway Lids at school or at home.
Keep your collections safely stored and sorted according to our simple guidelines to ensure they can be recycled efficiently.
Once you’ve collected enough, request a collection from our team or drop your items off at a nearby Collection Point.
Why Schools Join The Movement
Create Life-Changing Impact
Every item collected helps fund wheelchairs and mobility equipment for individuals in need across South Africa.
Inspire Leadership & Community
Show learners how teamwork, leadership and community action can create meaningful and lasting change.
Social & Environmental Responsibility
Encourage learners to build sustainable habits while understanding the power of helping both people and the planet.
Celebrate & Recognise Impact
Participating schools can receive certificates, recognition and opportunities to celebrate their impact.
Our Impact
600+
wheelchairs
gifted to beneficiaries
420+
tonnes of Collection Items
recycled
100+
Collection Points
... and growing every day
350+
tonnes of bottle tops
collected
70+
tonnes of bread tags
collected
1+
tonnes of soda tabs
collected
1+
tonnes of takeaway lids
collected
40+
Become a
'Public' School Collection Point
Register your school as a public Collection Point so community members can contact your school to arrange dropping off their recyclable collections.
Your school can also collect internally and request collections directly from The Sweethearts Foundation when needed.
Best suited for schools that:
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Have available storage space
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Are comfortable managing community drop-offs
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Want to involve the wider community
Become a
'Private' School
Collection Point
Register your school as an official Collection Point for internal collections only.
Your learners, staff, and families can collect recyclable items, and once enough have been accumulated, your school can request a collection directly from The Sweethearts Foundation.
Best suited for schools that:
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Want a simpler internal system
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Prefer privacy
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Have enough volume to request collections
Do I Need to Sort the Items?
Yes, please keep items clean, dry, and separated by type. Make sure it's stored in boxes or double-bagged refuse bags.
Sorting helps our Recycling Partners process materials efficiently and ensures maximum funding is generated for wheelchairs.
Is There a Minimum Amount to Collect?
There is no minimum amount required to start collecting. Every contribution makes a difference!
However, if you would like us to arrange collection, we require a minimum of 10 medium-sized boxes or 15 double-bagged bags to make transport worthwhile.
Smaller collections can still be dropped off at your nearest Collection Point.
Can I Start a Collection Drive?
Absolutely.
Schools are big impact drivers. Send information home to parents, encourage inter-classroom/grade competitions, and double down on impact.
Collection drives amplify environmental impact and increase wheelchair funding.
Download our School Collection Point Impact Kit
Everything your school needs to get started, stay organized, and create a life-changing impact through recycling.
Inside, you’ll find practical tools, resources, and ideas to help you collect successfully and run a process that works best for your school.
