Organic waste composting in school is an effective way of recycling. Organic waste makes excellent compost and the process can easily be achieved in most schools. Fruit and veg peelings, along with apple cores, banana skins, tea bags and egg shells can all be composted. To provide more ‘bulk’ to your compost bin, you can add shredded paper from the school office and paper towels. Both of these items compost very well and help to soak up excess moisture in your compost bin.
Setting up a recycling scheme/system
- Recycling in schools works best when the whole school is involved and a consistent scheme is put into place. In secondary schools, success is also achieved when whole departments work together.
- Decide where recycle bins are to be placed, e.g. classroom, corridor, staff room, school hall, common room etc. Ensure the area is accessible for depositing and collecting the recyclable waste.
• Ensure there are recycling in areas where a lot of ‘recyclable’ waste is produced, e.g. paper recycle bins near the photocopier, resource room, art area or ICT suite.
• Make sure there is a clear distinction between the general waste bins and the recycling bins. Ideally, bins should be different colours/and or size. Labels should be clear with pictorial examples for young pupils where possible. A ‘checklist’ on the bin is also a good idea.
- Remind pupils/students during assemblies or briefings of what can and cannot be included in the recycle bin. Managing the system
Ensure there is an effective collection system in place. This must be arranged and managed in conjunction with the site manager. - Recycle bins should be checked before being emptied. Common contaminants in the bins are plastic wrappers, paper towels, tissues, milk cartons (primary schools) and drinks cans/bottles (secondary schools). These items should be
- removed prior to emptying into the outdoor recycling bins, ready for collection.
- A rota for collection by pupils/students is an ideal way to check for contaminants, if this is not possible, check with site manager and/or cleaning staff to see if they can do this.
For more help and information on recycling visit : www.quickwasters.co.uk
