Johannesburg, 2026 – Three cities. One month. A national target exceeded.

That’s the outcome ofThe Glass Recycling Company’s #GlassRecyclingChallenge 2025, which set out to collect 280 tons of glass in glass recycling banks during November – a benchmark that was surpassed through strong public participation across the cities.

The #GlassRecyclingChallenge called on South Africans to think before they throw, recycle glass bottles and jars at public glass recycling banks, and share their efforts online.

Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town each played a significant role in achieving this milestone, with residents across the three metros recycling a combined 292 tons of glass at public glass banks during the campaign period. The results reflect a growing shift in everyday recycling behaviour and demonstrate how collective action can drive meaningful environmental impact at scale.

Throughout the campaign, glass collected via TGRC’s public glass recycling bank network in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria was efficiently transported back into the recycling value chain, ensuring bottles and jars dropped off by the public were returned for remanufacturing of new glass packaging rather than ending up in landfill.

Shabeer Jhetam, CEO of The Glass Recycling Company, says the results are encouraging – but also a reminder of what’s still required. “Exceeding our 280-ton target shows what’s possible when South Africans make glass recycling part of their everyday routine. It’s a strong result and one we’re proud of. At the same time, the work doesn’t stop here. The real challenge is sustaining and growing these volumes year on year, so that recycling becomes a habit, not a once-off campaign.”

Glass remains one of the most sustainable packaging materials available – it is 100% recyclable and can be recycled endlessly without losing quality. Yet significant volumes still end up in landfill each year. TGRC’s annual challenge is designed to keep glass visible, accessible, and top of mind, encouraging consistent recycling behaviour beyond campaign periods.

Beyond environmental benefits, glass recycling plays a vital role in South Africa’s circular economy by supporting glass collectors, transporters, buy-back centres, and businesses that earn an income from recyclable material. Every bottle recycled helps sustain these livelihoods.

Images of winning posts

CAPTION: To keep participation high, TGRC offered R5 000 spot prizes for participants who showcased their recycling journeys on social media using #GlassRecyclingChallenge. A few of the powerful social media entries that captured the spirit of the challenge – from family recycling trips to community-driven collections.

“The challenge doesn’t end in November,” adds Jhetam. “If we want to see recycling volumes grow – and not fall back – participation has to continue throughout the year. Every bottle still matters.” #GlassRecyclingChallenge #Heart4Glass