South Africa faces a mounting plastic waste problem. Globally, plastic production has skyrocketed from 2 million tonnes in 1950 to 475 million tonnes in 2022, and locally, plastic pollution is expected to nearly double by 2040 compared to 2020 levels if urgent action is not taken. While plastics support thousands of jobs in the recycling and informal collection sector, the sheer volume of single-use packaging continues to choke rivers, pollute oceans, and infiltrate food chains.
Pet & Pool is stepping up with a practical, consumer-friendly initiative: refill stations for everyday household products. Customers pay once for a sturdy, reusable bottle, then bring it back to refill at a fraction of the cost. This simple model reduces plastic waste, lowers household expenses, and encourages sustainable shopping habits.
Products Available for Refill
Pet & Pool’s refill program covers a wide range of household essentials. Initially, you buy the packaging with product of your choice, thereafter you bring in the empty container and only pay for the product. The range includes:
• Household chemicals: Cleaning agents and detergents, packaged in refillable bottles to replace disposable plastic containers. Available in all branches.
• Cat litter: Both silica-based and gravel options, available in bulk refill stations. Available in all branches.
• Braai briquettes & firelighters : A South African staple, now offered in refillable packaging to cut down on plastic bags. Available in all our Fire stores: https://www.petandpool.co.za/store-locator (only braai briquettes available in Waterfall KZN).
• Pool chlorine: Essential for pool maintenance. Available in all branches.
By diversifying refill options, Pet & Pool ensures that sustainability extends beyond niche eco-products into everyday household needs.
By refilling your products with Pet & Pool, you can save up to 47% on these products and reduce single-use plastic.
Why Refill Matters
• Cost savings: Customers pay less per refill compared to buying new packaging.
• Waste reduction: Each refill prevents another single-use plastic bottle or bag from entering the waste stream.
• Circular economy: Refill systems keep packaging in use longer, reducing demand for virgin plastic production.
• Community impact: With 17 branches across South Africa, Pet & Pool’s initiative has the potential to make a measurable difference in local waste reduction.
Plastic Waste in South Africa: The Bigger Picture
• South Africa generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills or the environment including our oceans.
• Informal waste collectors play a critical role, with nearly 95,900 people earning livelihoods from recycling in 2023.
• Despite these efforts, single-use plastics remain dominant, and without intervention, pollution levels will continue to rise.
Refill initiatives like Pet & Pool’s directly address this challenge by reducing the flow of disposable packaging into the system.
A Call to Action
Pet & Pool’s refill program is more than a business innovation – it’s a community-driven step toward sustainability. By making refills accessible, affordable, and practical, the company empowers South Africans to take part in reducing plastic waste. Every refill is a small act of resistance against the tide of pollution, proving that convenience and sustainability can go hand in hand.
In a country where plastic pollution threatens to double within two decades, refill stations offer a tangible solution. Pet & Pool is showing that with creativity and commitment, businesses can lead the way in building a cleaner, greener South Africa.