George partners unite for a cleaner, greener community
A united effort to tackle litter, promote recycling, and encourage greater community responsibility for the environment will get underway in George this week as the Municipality and its partners launch a series of clean-up and recycling activities. George Clean-Up and Recycle Week 2026, taking place from 15 to 19 September, will bring together community organisations, waste-management partners, government stakeholders and residents in a range of activities across George.
The initiative combines practical clean-up activities with recycling education, waste-picker support and initiatives aimed at demonstrating the value of separating and recycling waste.
PROGRAMME
📍Edameni, Thembalethu | 09:00–10:00
🗓️Tuesday, 15 September
Recycling and buy-back information session with the Asivikelane Campaign.
📍Blanco and Malgas River area | From 09:00
🗓️Wednesday, 16 September
Targeted river clean-up and the first community swop-shop pilot.
📍Thembalethu Mobile Buy-Back Centre and Inkcubeko Training Centre
🗓️Friday, 18 September
Waste-picker training, recycling and buy-back activities, a swop-shop pilot, environmental education and a local clean-up.
📍Thembalethu
🗓️Saturday, 19 September
Community clean-up launch.
📍Kleinkrantz Beach
🗓️Saturday, 19 September
International Coastal Clean-Up involving local soccer youth.
The activities combine environmental action with practical education and community participation. The swop-shop pilots will demonstrate how clean recyclable materials can be separated and exchanged, helping communities to understand the value of recycling.
Senior Manager for Environmental Services in the George Municipality, Mr Sivuyile Mtila, said the initiative provides an opportunity to take practical action while strengthening public awareness about responsible waste management. “Clean-up campaigns are important, but their impact goes beyond removing litter. We want to use these activities to encourage better waste practices, increase recycling awareness, and demonstrate what can be achieved when communities and partners work together. Every kilogram of recyclable material recovered is material that can be diverted from the waste stream, while every area cleaned contributes to a healthier environment.”
Executive Mayor Ald. Browen Johnson said keeping George clean is a shared responsibility that requires active participation from residents, businesses, organisations, and government. “A clean George is something we must build together. Our public spaces, rivers, beaches, and neighbourhoods belong to all of us, and we all have a role to play in protecting them. This week is an opportunity not only to clean up, but to strengthen a culture of responsibility, pride and care for our communities and environment.”
George Municipality is participating in the initiative alongside Henque Waste, Work for Liberation, Asivikelane, eWASA, Garden Route District Municipality, Western Cape Government and SANParks, Shoprite, with additional partners supporting various activities. The Municipality encourages residents to support the campaign by disposing of waste responsibly, separating recyclable materials where possible and taking pride in keeping their neighbourhoods and natural spaces clean.
WEATHER ADVISORY
As some of the activities are outdoors, the programme remains subject to weather and site safety conditions. Activities may be delayed, postponed or cancelled where conditions pose a risk to participants. Residents and participants are encouraged to check the latest official communication before travelling to an activity.
ENDS.