LISA BECKER
Buffalo Flats Primary claimed first place at the DNF Recycling Prize-Giving, capping off a year of dedication to environmental awareness and waste management.
“I was worried we hadn’t made the top ten. The previous year we were third.
“We never expected to be first — we were shaking while holding the trophy and certificate,” said teacher Liezl Noeka.
The annual event, which coincided with Global Recycling Day, brought together more than 24 schools, along with waste collectors and recycling vendors, at DNF’s depot in Cambridge last week.
Noeka, who heads the school’s Eco Warrior programme, told the Go! on Wednesday the initiative began in 2023 with a focus on engaging pupils, particularly grade 7 boys who struggled to stay focused in class.
“They needed something that gave them purpose.
“They stepped into their roles with pride, and even their behaviour changed,” she said. Pupils took on structured recycling responsibilities throughout the week, including collecting white paper during breaks, sorting cardboard on Fridays, and focusing on plastic bottles on Wednesdays.
Once sufficient volumes are collected, the school arranges for collection through DNF.
In return, the school receives funding in the form of e-vouchers redeemable at participating stores.
“Recycling helps with discipline,” Noeka said.
“When you give a child who is not necessarily a top academic performer a responsibility, they rise to the challenge. They amaze us with what they can achieve.”
The programme has since expanded to include pupils from grades 3 to 5, with strong support from the wider community.
Families contribute recyclables, and even a nearby shop donates cardboard on a weekly basis.
In 2025 alone, the school collected a huge 4,795kg of recyclable waste, excluding glass.
A glass bank on the school premises has also encouraged regular participation from its more than 1,200 pupils. Noeka said hosting the prize-giving event at the depot had added excitement and a hands-on learning experience.
“It was much more exciting than previous years at a hotel.
“The exhibits were amazing, and the children loved the ‘trashion’ show — now they want to do one themselves.”
The event featured a range of interactive exhibits, including puppets made from recycled materials, glass mosaics, and sculptures crafted from electronic waste.
Visitors also explored displays on worm farming and organic agriculture, while children enjoyed a playground made from recycled tyres and games created from bottle tops and cardboard.
Entertainment included a dance performance, a motivational video featuring environmental advocate Zoe Prinsloo, and a vibrant fashion showcase by TC Models, featuring designs made from recycled materials such as vinyl records, car seat leather and tablecloths.
Each pupil in attendance received a recycling-themed goodie bag and lunch pack, reinforcing the event’s message of sustainability.
With new schools expressing interest in joining the programme, competition is expected to intensify in the coming years.
For now, Buffalo Flats Primary is celebrating a well-earned victory and setting the standard for the next generation of eco-conscious pupils.
