eWASA and ITB Plastics Celebrate National Recycling Day by Demonstrating the Real Value of the Circular Economy

By eWASA

National Recycling Day is observed annually to inspire citizens to actively participate in initiatives such as recycling drives and clean-up events across the country. In 2025, eWASA and ITB Plastics are celebrating the day differently, showcasing how the circular economy can directly benefit communities.

Together, the two organisations will hand over 25 sets of desks and chairs to Isithebe Day Care Centre in iLembe District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal. What makes this contribution special is that the furniture is made from hard-to-recycle multi-laminate materials, giving waste a new life and practically demonstrating circularity in action. My Waste, the manufacturer, specialises in turning plastic waste into maintenance free

environmentally friendly products.

Strengthening Early Childhood Development

Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres play a pivotal role not only in preparing children for formal schooling but also in laying the foundation for lifelong learning. Research underscores the urgency of investing in early education: the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021 found that 81% of Grade 4 learners in South Africa struggle with reading comprehension, meaning they cannot read for meaning by the age of 10(1). eWASA recognises that these challenges often stem from inadequate early development opportunities, compounded by a lack of proper infrastructure and resources. By equipping children with appropriate classroom furniture, we aim to create conducive learning spaces that foster concentration, engagement, and holistic development.

Vanessa Mashele, eWASA’s Paper and Packaging Key Accounts Manager, explained:

“Teaching children to see the potential in waste helps them understand that what may look like trash can, in fact, be turned into something valuable. By learning early that waste can create new opportunities and resources, they begin to view recycling as a way of transforming challenges into treasures. This mindset will inspire creativity, responsibility, and long-term sustainability”.

A Shared Commitment to Communities and the Environment

Through this initiative, eWASA, ITB Plastics and My Waste reaffirm their commitment to building partnerships that strengthen communities while reducing environmental impact. By turning difficult-to-recycle waste into functional educational resources, this project showcases how the circular economy can simultaneously advance environmental sustainability and social progress.

ITB Plastics is committed to delivering a hassle-free packaging experience to its customers, with employees ensuring care and consistency in every print, seal, and detail. This same dedication is reflected at Isithebe Day Care Centre, which provides a safe and supportive environment for the children of employees and local industry workers-offering peace of mind for parents and valuable early learning opportunities for children.

“ITB Plastics and the Isithebe Day Care Centre sincerely appreciate eWASA’s generosity in making this possible.” - Trevor Davies, Managing Executive, ITB Plastics.