Back to School: How Schools Can Inspire Eco-Conscious Pupils
The average primary school pupil creates 45kg of waste per year.
Unsurprisingly, schools produce huge volumes of waste every year as a result. However, 80% of it is recyclable! With schools starting next week, waste experts from BusinessWaste.co.uk have put together a short guide on the easiest ways schools can recycle better and become more environmentally friendly.
- Set up a school recycling program
Start with a thorough waste audit to figure out the types and amounts of waste your school generates. Look at all the different areas, such as classrooms, cafeterias, bathrooms, and playgrounds and work out the types of bins needed in each one. This will help tailor a recycling program that address the most significant needs.
School recycling programs should include:
- Recycling bins: Implement a system of varied bins for different materials like paper, plastics, metals, and glass.
- Clear labelling: Mark each bin with colour-coded labels or signs.
- Effective placing: Position bins in areas where specific types of waste are most produced. For example, place paper recycling bins near printers and copiers, and set up bins for plastics and glass in the cafeteria and kitchen areas.
- An environment officer: Appoint a committed staff member or teacher to oversee the recycling program. This leader can monitor the program’s progress, engage the school community, and ensure that recycling practices are maintained consistently across all areas of the school.
- Recycling targets: Establish clear recycling goals based on your initial waste audit. Track these targets regularly to assess the program’s success and identify areas for improvement. Adjust your strategies as needed to boost your recycling rates.
- Go for glass over plastic
Using more glass than plastic can improve recycling, as glass can be recycled indefinitely without loss of quality. While glass does raise safety concerns, these can be managed by transferring liquids from glass containers to reusable cups under supervision.
- Select sustainable suppliers
Choose suppliers who prioritise recyclable and minimal packaging materials. This can be particularly impactful in areas like cafeteria supplies and educational materials. Bulk purchases often result in less packaging waste and are a practical choice for reducing the school’s environmental footprint. - Reward green pupils
Motivate students to actively recycle and be environmentally conscious. Consider implementing a reward system for pupils who consistently use recycling bins correctly or introducing competitions between classes or forms to see which recycles the most. Initiatives like these promote recycling among the kids as well as build a community spirit focused on sustainability. - Make recycling education enjoyable
Integrating fun and educational activities into the recycling program can significantly boost student engagement. Organise trips to local recycling centres, invite experts to speak at assemblies, and encourage students to participate in poster-making or other creative projects focused on recycling. Making these activities enjoyable and informative can lead to a deeper understanding and commitment to recycling practices. - Recycle educational e-waste
As technology becomes more integral to education, managing electronic waste is crucial. Set up designated bins for collecting e-waste and educate students about the importance of recycling electronic items. Proper disposal ensures that hazardous materials are safely handled and that valuable resources like metals and plastics are recovered and reused.
Graham Matthews, sustainability expert from BusinessWaste.co.uk, comments: “There are a lot of strategies schools can try to create effective recycling programs that not only help the environment but also teach students valuable lessons in sustainability. These ensure that environmental consciousness is woven into the fabric of school life, which will form more responsible citizens in the future.”
For a more thorough guide on how to implement sustainability in schools read the full blog: https://www.businesswaste.co.uk/news/recycling-for-schools-guide/
