School recycling is a very important way of educating children about the importance of recycling in everyday life. Whilst their parents may recycle at home, this may not be something they get directly involved in, so school recycling provides an opportunity for them to learn all about this topic and put it into action.
School recycling should really start with educating the pupils about not wasting resources. For example, they could be encouraged to use both sides of paper and to bring a lunch box rather than a plastic bag which then gets thrown away. In addition, they can become actively involved in recycling within school. Paper is probably the main waste product, so why not have paper-only boxes in classrooms into which pupils, and staff, are encouraged to put all waste paper. The school could also buy recycled paper and other recycled products. If vending machines are in use, the school recycling scheme could include a can collection for recycling.
Whatever recycling opportunities there are within the school, it is important that the pupils also understand why they are being asked to do this. Why not encourage a debate within class about the pros and cons of recycling? Children also like to have a hands-on approach and to see the fruits of their efforts, so introduce a composting scheme. Food, paper and garden waste could be composted and then used in the school garden by the children, showing them the benefit of their actions.
The Recycle More website has a comprehensive list of activities to encourage children to recycle and to educate them about the benefits of school recycling as well as what to do in other areas of their lives. These are broken down into primary and secondary age groups.
For further information on Recycling click on the links below
