Reducing Waste & Promoting Recycling

What are we already doing?

SchoolCycled Bottle top collection: SchoolCycled is designed to educate the next generation about recycling, ecosystems and sustainability. Our families are encouraged to collect plastic bottle caps and send them into school. For every 1 kilo of bottle caps sent back to MYGroup we earn 250 Earth Tokens. Those tokens can be exchanged for furniture, play equipment, signage or other recycled plastic products from MYGroup. MYGroup shred the mixed plastics and make them into 100% recycled boards that are transformed into products. 

We are delighted to let you know that as of November 2024 we collected enough earth tokens (50,000) to exchange for a recycled mud kitchen which should be delivered shortly. In our most recent Eco Team meeting we decided that the next items we would like to save for are two tables and eight chairs so we can set up a friendship zone on the KS1 and KS2 playgrounds. We need a total of 48,000 earth token for our tables and chairs.  Please keep collecting your PLASTIC lids and bring them to school to be recycled - it is a great way to get involved in recycling and saving our environment!

Battery Recycling: As part of the 'Recycle to Read' campaign from The Pod, we have been collecting batteries to highlight the importance of responsible consumption and the role of recycling. We can then exchange the recycled batteries for books or vouchers for books for our school library. If batteries aren't recycled properly, they pose significant environmental and safety risks, as they can leak hazardous materials into soil and water, and even cause fires in waste facilities.

Paper Waste: We are making a conscious effort to ensure that letters and information are distributed to our parents electronically rather than by paper, this helps to combat paper wastage.

DT/Art days: When materials are needed for a DT or Art day (such as cardboard) we ask our school community for donations rather than purchasing them. 

Book/toy/uniform swap:  We have held multiple swaps and thanks to our generous school community, they have been very successful. We will continue with these as much as we can.

What else can we do?

Plastic Clever Schools: By signing up to 'Plastic Clever Schools' we are enabling our children to be at the forefront of helping to combat the marine plastic crisis. The toolkit will guide children through everything they need to do to reduce plastic waste in school, ensuring that they are enabled to lead change and make a lasting impact as a Plastic Clever School. As part of this we will have a Plastic Clever Team so keep your eyes peeled to find out who is part of this team!

More recycling bins: At the moment we only have 2 large recycling bins in school which are located in the carpark, to make recycling more accessible we would like a small recycling bin in each classroom and on both playgrounds that allow for paper and plastic waste. Recycling champions will monitor this weekly.

What can you do at home?

• Establish a designated bin or box which is readily accessible near your general waste bin
• Encourage all household members to participate in recycling
• Educate yourself on what can be recycled. Check here --> https://www.chesterfield.gov.uk/bins-and-recycling/what-can-be-recycled-and-where/ 
• Prepare your materials for recycling, clean and dry them, remove lids and flatten cardboard
• Before discarding items consider if they can be reused or donated