At KCM, we’re committed to helping our local schools in Rotherham and Sheffield to reduce the amount of waste they create and recycle as much as possible of what goes into their bins.
A key issue across a high number of schools is not only ensuring their waste goes to the right place once it’s collected but also making sure their students understand the importance of putting waste into the correct bin.
This case study focuses on our latest recycling initiative at Roughwood Primary School, Rotherham. This included the implementation of recycling bins as a means to educate students about recycling, reduce waste, and encourage positive environmental behaviours.
The Task: Develop A Recycling Initiative to Encourage Pupils to Recycle
By instilling eco-conscious habits early on, schools can contribute to a generation that values and practices sustainable living. Recycling bins provide a tangible and accessible way to engage students in waste reduction efforts.
Through our ongoing work with local schools, we have found that creating a clear structure of recycling with accessible resources can really engage students of all ages.
The Solution: Reducing Waste to Landfill Within Schools
To educate students on the importance of recycling for their future, Roughwood Primary School started at the very beginning by showing the negative impacts of not recycling and the damage this can do.
We then provided educational materials to display the recycling process from the time their waste gets emptied at their site, all the way to their final destinations.
To provide visual stimulus and gain high engagement, we provided a free bin lorry visit to the school. Our vehicle demonstrated how bins are lifted, how the lorry works, and where their waste goes next.
We found across all schools that the question and answer time with the vehicle drivers gave pupils the opportunity to ask any industry questions they had. This even resulted in conversations about home recycling. This shows how conversations about recycling in schools feeds back to an overall consciousness regarding responsible disposal of waste.
After the bin lorry visits, we provided the school with a number of classroom recycling bins. These provided a clear visual prominence in each classroom, serving as a reminder to students when disposing of paper and cardboard. Roughwood found success in assigning ‘recycling monitors’. These pupils were responsible for checking the contents of the bin were correct.
Alongside this, we partnered with the school to run poster competitions. These provide an extra level of engagement and recognition for the student’s recycling success.
The Outcome: What Waste Recycling Initiatives Work in Schools?
The recycling bins became a focal point of the school’s environmental education efforts. Roughwood had a significant increase in its recycling rate. The students also showed enthusiasm in applying their knowledge about recycling at home.
Our key findings from this school recycling initiative:
- Education is essential: Integrating recycling education into the curriculum helps students understand the reasons behind recycling and its impact on the environment.
- Inclusivity: Involving students, teachers, and parents in the process fosters a sense of ownership and commitment.
- Visual Prominence: Clearly labelled and strategically placed recycling bins make it easy for students to participate in recycling efforts.
- Consistency: Regular reminders and reinforcement of recycling practices are necessary to establish a new norm.
- Celebration: Recognising and celebrating achievements, such as improved recycling rates and participating pupils, reinforces positive behaviour.
“A huge thank you to KCM for our new recycling bins as the next stage of our recycling project. Having a recycling bin in every class will help us be more proactive with our recycling goals and our help us achieve our ultimate goal, to work with KCM to support our community to recycle more!”
– Roughwood Primary School
KCM’s Recycling Initiative & Trade Waste Support in Rotherham & Sheffield Schools
By integrating recycling education, involving the school community, and creating a supportive environment – these primary schools were able to increase recycling rates and instil sustainable habits in their students.
The experience of Roughwood Primary School in Rotherham offers valuable insights for other schools considering similar initiatives.
Not only does implementing cardboard and paper bins have a positive environmental impact, but it can also help your school save on waste management costs.
At KCM Waste Management, we are here to support your school in all aspects of recycling. This includes the below:
- Provide support and recommendations for container types, quantities and locations
- Education, information and activities for your school
- Free of charge bin lorry visits
- Paper and cardboard classroom recycling bins
To discuss your school’s recycling requirements and our recycling initiative, get in touch with our team via our contact form or by emailing bins@kcmwaste.com.