Waste Reduction in Schools
Waste is a big part of each schools' ecological footprint. Rumbalara EEC has been working with Central Coast schools to reduce waste to landfill for many years.
The first step in reducing waste is to measure it by conducting a waste audit. A waste audit of the general waste bins tells us the quantity and types of resources your school is sending to landfill. This can help the school community to develop strategies to reduce waste sent to landfill, such as addressing uneaten food in the bin with a clear message to students “If you don’t eat it take it home”, promoting "nude food" (to reduce soft plastics) and introducing new resource recovery systems such as food waste and Return & Earn recycling bins and collection services.
Interested? We are here to help! Visit our In School Sustainability and book a visit via our booking form below.
Aim:
- less waste to landfill
- maximising resource recovery
- creating a zero waste culture in school communities
- changing habits and changing behaviours
- helping the global community reach the Sustainable Development goals
Past programs
Solving Organic Waste Program
The Solving Organic Waste (SOW) pilot program introduces comprehensive food waste management into schools and provides education and support in setting up food waste collection, composting and worm farming, as well as guidance on food waste avoidance. The learnings and resources developed in ten Central Coast schools in 2025 will inform a rollout to the rest of NSW through the Department.
Wise About Waste
Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre REEC and Central Coast Council delivered Wise About Waste School incursions, aimed at Stage 2 students, in 2017 -2018. It was established in conjunction with the Kariong Eco Garden and the Community Environment Network in 2016 and funded by Central Coast Council.
All resources for this program are available to be borrowed, please contact the office to organise.
Useful Resources:
If you would like to use the resources above, please ensure you give appropriate credit.
Wiping Out Waste
Rumbalara Environmental Education Centre (REEC) and Central Coast Council delivered the Wiping Out Waste program to eight schools in 2019 and worked with five schools during the first half of 2020. Covid-19 meant we could not complete all waste audits or professional development sessions.
The resources used are available here. If you would like to use the resources please ensure you give appropriate credit.
Useful Resources:
Coming soon
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