Media Article

Boxer creates sustainable income for school through innovative recycling project

30 October 2024

Boxer’s Enterprise and Supplier Development team has helped a school leap self-sustainability through recycling thanks to a unique project that promises to change the way schools think about fundraising and the environment.

The Boxer Recycling Project, based at Vukuziphathe Primary School in Hammarsdale, KZN, is the brainchild of Boxer’s Enterprise and Supplier Development Manager Gary Larkan who realised that schools have the potential to create a self-sustaining income from litter. “It’s a simple formula but an effective one, and Boxer is incredibly proud to see it come to life,” said Larkan. The project comprises of a shipping container, donated by Boxer, which is retrofitted with recycling slots for various plastics, cardboard and paper, cans, and other common recyclable items. Pupils bring the items to school, place them in their respective slots and that’s where the magic happens. “We have arranged for a recycling firm, Outer West Recyclers to pick up the recyclable items once the container is full, and take it away for processing. The supplier then pays the school. With the additional income, the school can then purchase items it needs. It’s a win-win for everyone,” added Larkan.

“As part of our core pillars, Boxer is committed to assisting the communities in which we trade. By developing this project and getting it fully operational, we can live up to that pillar right here in Hammarsdale. It’s a classic case of teaching an entire school to fish, rather than just providing the fish,” said Boxer’s Group Executive for Stakeholder Engagement and Sustainability. At the official launch, Boxer also handed over a R20 000 cheque to the school, and hundreds of goodie bags, along with two massive cakes, to the children.

Sustainable history made! Boxer’s Enterprise and Supplier Development Manager Gary Larkan (grey cap), Vukuziphathe Primary School Head Mistress Mrs Mkhize, Boxer Group Executive Ntombi Dludla and Outer West Recycling’s Elford Mkhize watch as the first pupil at Vukuziphathe Primary School drops his recycling into the Boxer School Recycling Project container.

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