Practical guide to climate action by topic

This guide is designed to help school leaders implement change, understand opportunities and regulatory changes that relate to schools. Taking action is often easier than it seems! Student engagement is referenced throughout.

Circular economy, recycling and managing waste

Schools can reduce waste, cut costs and support student learning by introducing circular economy principles and improving recycling.

New approaches to waste management in schools

Recycling and waste management across Essex and the UK is changing. There are new regulations to follow. Further information can be found on Workplace recycling requirements

Engage the whole school community

Changing how waste is managed can be a learning opportunity for students and support whole-school engagement. This includes:

  • student-led waste audits and projects to monitor progress
  • reducing what’s used and reused across the school site
  • making systems easy to use

Resources and tips to support implementation of systems across the school site can be found on the Management Systems section of Love Essex. 

Embed sustainability into student learning

Embedding sustainability into student learning can also help students understand their role in managing waste through:

  • using themes to develop numeracy and business skills
  • delivering practical projects such as School Eco-refill Shops (funded project)
  • linking projects to science, citizenship and geography curricula

More support on engaging the school community can be found on the School Community section of Love Essex.

Stay informed

You can register to receive:

  • updates on changes to waste regulation
  • training and events for sustainability leads
  • classroom-ready resources on waste, recycling and behaviour change

More details are available on our Sustainability Leads, networks and events page.