Here are the six steps to help you along the way to setting up a school recycling scheme. We can support you throughout the process for free. Contact the Recycle Western Riverside Education Team on 020 7549 0321 or email
education@westernriverside.org.uk
You can also download our practical
School Toolkit to help you reduce waste, develop an action plan and implement environmental policies across the whole school.
 Find out what your school currently throws away
Do a waste audit with a dedicated class or group of pupils to find out where most of the school’s waste is produced, what types of waste are most commonly thrown away, and how much of it. For help with the waste audit contact the Education Team on 020 7549 0321 or email education@westernriverside.org.uk
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 Get your school’s recycling collected
Contact your local authority to find out what recycling schemes are available to your school. You are usually provided with a recycling bank and smaller containers or sacks for the classrooms. Schools should aim for at least half of their waste bin collections to be recycling bins. Also ensure that you don’t have more refuse bins than you need, as the school will be spending unnecessary money on this. All paper, card, glass, cans and plastic bottles can be recycled. Contact the Recycling Officer in your borough who will visit your school to check where a bin/bank could be kept.
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 Position recycling points around your school
Position recycling points in each classroom and don’t forget the staff room, office, canteen, kitchen and courtyard. Put the recycling containers next to rubbish bins so it is as easy to recycle something as it is to throw it away.
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 Get everyone involved
If the school community shares responsibilities of the recycling scheme more people will take part and know how to use the facilities correctly. Pupil recycling monitors can take a hands-on role in emptying classroom recycling bins for example. Also motivate teachers and the school management to lead by example, set up a rota for emptying the recycling containers and make sure cleaning and support staff are informed and know how important their role is.
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 Let everyone know
For the recycling scheme to work you need to let everyone know what they can recycle and where. You could use Recycle Now bin stickers and awareness posters or involve the children to design your own.
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 Keep it going
Keep motivation levels high by feeding back results and successes during assemblies, parent evenings and on notice boards. Practice recycling in the classroom as an opportunity for real life learning and include it in your school’s policy. Do a repeat audit after a while to see how your school is doing.
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