Anti-littering campaign: Learners turn 100 bins into works of art

Paterson High School joined forces with paint manufacturer, Axalta Plascon, in an innovative project aimed at combating the growing problem of littering in local communities.

The initiative, launched in September, saw Axalta provide 100 steel waste bins to the school, challenging learners to transform them through creative artwork over a two-month period.

As part of the project’s culmination, the decorated bins were presented to a panel of judges last week.

Pricilla Weitz from Axalta described the judging process as “incredibly tough” due to the unique nature of each creation.

“Each bin was different, meaning each child could express their uniqueness,” she shared. The company plans to distribute the finished bins throughout local communities, placing them at schools, churches, and businesses to encourage proper waste disposal whilst tackling the littering problem.

The project proved rewarding for all participants, with every learner who completed a bin receiving a Greenacres shopping voucher.

However, the highlight of the event was the announcement of substantial bursary awards totalling R45,000.

Three matriculants – Darrel Jansen, Luciaan Plaatjies and Gwiba Matanzima – were selected as overall winners, each receiving a R15,000 bursary to pursue their chosen field of study:

Principal Rose De Doncker acknowledged the challenging nature of the judging process but expressed delight at seeing the project come to fruition.

She explained that whilst the prizes were significant, the initiative’s true value lay in creating lasting memories for learners — experiences that would serve as ongoing reminders to maintain clean communities.