How to reduce waste at your school

Reducing waste in schools is a significant step towards fostering a culture of sustainability and teaching students valuable lessons about responsible consumption. Schools can implement various waste reduction strategies to minimize their environmental impact.

Encouraging the use of reusable water bottles, lunch containers, and utensils can significantly reduce single-use plastic waste. Implementing comprehensive recycling programs and educating students about proper waste segregation further diverts recyclable materials from landfills.

Schools can also promote paperless initiatives by utilizing digital platforms for assignments and communication, reducing paper consumption.

Fostering a culture of composting and organic waste management allows schools to turn food scraps and yard waste into valuable soil amendments. By integrating waste reduction practices into their daily operations and curriculum, schools become influential agents of change, empowering students to become environmentally conscious citizens and future leaders.

District councils can work with Taranaki schools to help them minimise their own waste, as well as educating pupils about waste minimisation and recycling.

Did you know most schools in the Taranaki region receive recycling bins and collection of recyclables for free?

District councils may be able to offer advice or assistance in setting up a recycling system, improving your current system or any other area of waste minimisation you may need. Contact your district council for more information.

New Plymouth District Council: Sustainability Education Officer - email enquiries@npdc.govt.nz or call 06 759 6060

South Taranaki District Council: Environment and Sustainability Team - envirosus@STDC.govt.nz

Stratford District Council: Email stratforddc@stratford.govt.nz 

Download Our Schools Brochure

View from the purpose-built education room at the Materials Recovery Facility.

Class tours of recycling centre

Taranaki's Recycling Sorting Centre (Material Recovery Facility or MRF) has a purpose-built education room which is perfectly positioned to watch our region's recycling being sorted.

Come along and learn how the machinery works, watch the recycling sorters work on the conveyor belt, find out why we can recycle some items but not others and where the recycled materials end up. School parties from across Taranaki are welcome. Bookings essential.

PLEASE NOTE: the Recycling Centre's education room is located upstairs and is not accessible for wheelchairs. 

Your class will need to allow one hour for the Recycling Centre Education Session. School classes at all levels are welcome. There is no charge, but schools must organise their own transport.

Click here for tour bookings and further information