Funded by the DfE, Climate Ambassadors match volunteer climate experts with education settings.
Part of Let’s Go Zero, Climate Action Advisors are independent experts who offer free support for schools, colleges, and nurseries across England.
About
Waste contractors can provide valuable expertise and data to help education settings improve waste separation. Contacting your waste company can help you understand what materials are being collected, recycled or disposed of and identify opportunities to improve performance.
Some settings will need to engage with specialist waste providers who work on specialist waste streams. These are materials that require dedicated handling or processing routes. These include plasterboard, coffee grounds, green waste, anaerobic digestion feedstock, hazardous waste, clinical waste, confidential waste and other difficult-to-recycle materials that standard commercial collections cannot accept.
This action can complement a waste audit or waste management plan.
Why
Improving waste separation helps reduce contamination, increase recycling rates divert more materials from landfill.
Waste companies often have access to data and practical advice that can help settings identify quick improvements and opportunities for cost savings. Better separation also makes it easier for staff and learners to dispose of materials correctly, supporting wider environmental objectives.
Specialist waste providers will dispose of the waste appropriately and safely, as some waste streams can release toxic pollutants or be a health and safety risk.
How
- Arrange a meeting with your waste provider/s, you may need to seek the help of your setting’s procurement team.
- Once in contact, discuss current waste streams and collection arrangements.
- Request data on waste volumes, recycling rates and contamination issues.
- Discuss whether additional recycling services, food waste collections or clearer signage could be introduced.
- Work together to identify practical improvements and communicate any changes to staff and learners.
- Monitor progress over time and continue reviewing arrangements to maximise recycling and waste reduction opportunities.
If you’re a large organisation or multi-academy trust (MATS): Get in touch with a contractor that covers the majority of your settings.
Resources
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Transforming Uniform Waste into Community Impact
The School Uniform Reuse NetworkFreeRequires account