How to set up your recycling bins
Once you have arranged for your school's recycling to be collected and you have some information about how the recycling scheme will work, you can set up recycling points within your school buildings.
Bin locations
To make recycling as easy as possible:
- Position recycling points as close to the source of waste as possible e.g. place a paper recycling bin next to the photo copier/printer.
- Put recycling points and rubbish bins next to each other so that it's no extra effort to recycle.
Developing a recycling system was a great opportunity for the whole school community to work towards a common goal.
- Laura Daniels, head teacher, Woodheys Primary School
Types of recycling points
You may be provided with internal recycling containers by your council or service provider, or you may need to buy your own. You can use the data from your waste audit to help you decide what type, size and quantity of recycling bins will suit your school best. You will also need to consider who will empty materials from your internal recycling containers into external facilities, how they will do it, what equipment they will need and how often it will be done.
Labelling recycling points
- It is really important to label recycling points clearly, so that everyone knows where they are and what should go in them.
- You can use the easily recognisable Recycle Now materials to support your school's recycling scheme, including awareness posters and recycling point signage.
Visit the school success stories to see examples of how different schools manage their recycling systems.