Recycling in Schools Rolled Out

Following the successful rollout of the new household waste and recycling service to over 75,000 properties across the region, Dumfries and Galloway Council is now introducing a similar scheme for schools. A pilot study at Calside and Georgetown Primary schools tested the new service and showed that as well as high levels of interest in recycling from both pupils and staff alike, there were also efficiencies to be made. School catering staff also joined in, recycling cans, paper, card and food waste from the school canteens and kitchens. As a result, collections of general waste fell from 2-3 times per week to just once, with a marked increase in collections of materials for recycling.

Members of the school’s ‘Global Gang School Groups’ helped shape the new service, including the suggestion to place containers in classrooms, so that learners can collect materials then transfer them to the school recycling bins at the end of the day. As a result, every classroom in Dumfries and Galloway will be provided with recycling boxes as the new service rolls out over the next few weeks. Curriculum materials based on superhero characters will also highlight the importance of reducing, re-using and recycling everyday items.

Councillor Andy Ferguson & Cllr John Martin, Chair and Vice Chair of the Council’s Communities Committee said:

“We are delighted with the feedback from the pilot scheme. Rolling out the new service to every school in the region will help us meet our recycling targets, reducing waste and supporting the move toward a circular economy. It is a welcome step towards meeting our commitments under the Climate Emergency Declaration and is an excellent example of council services working together to achieve clear benefits for both waste and recycling, and for our children’s education. Experiencing recycling in the classroom using the same system as the children will find at home is a great way to encourage good practice and who knows, perhaps encourage them to become the Zero Waste Heroes of the future.”

Chair and vice Chair of Education and Learning Committee, Councillor Jeff Leaver and Cllr Ros Surtrees said:

“This work supports our Learning for Sustainability Strategy, which promotes ‘Learning for a better world’. As always, we are delighted with the enthusiastic input we have had for this project from the pupils and staff within our pilot schools. We know our children and young people care passionately about the environment and are well supported by our school staff to deliver important changes in what we do. I’m sure that this will continue to be demonstrated by all of our schools across the region as we roll the project out across Dumfries and Galloway.”