Schools throughout the region are being encouraged to take part in a new education initiative that will promote the importance of recycling to students.
Bundaberg Regional Council Waste and Recycling portfolio spokesperson Cr Scott Rowleson said Council was pleased to partner in this joint project with Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett, Impact Community Services and A2Z Waste Recycling which encouraged schools to register to participate in a waste minimisation and recycling competition.
“Many students study waste and landfills as part of their geography curriculum in grade four so we saw this as an excellent opportunity to partner with other local organisations to help to deliver valuable recycling information,” Cr Rowleson said.
“The initiative offers schools additional opportunities to engage students on the issue of waste and recycling which can only be beneficial for our region and the environment.”
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said he was delighted to work with council and local organisations to encourage proactive sustainable recycling in the community.
“This initiative comes on the back of our Container Deposit Scheme and is all about protecting our local environment to enhance its sustainability for future generations to enjoy,” Mr Bennett said.
“It’s a great opportunity to get our message across to young ones and open their eyes up to recycling innovations and the associated benefits, and will hopefully revolutionise how the community sees and deals with their waste.
“Simple, mindful lifestyle changes made by everyone, each and every day will make a huge difference in the long run.”
Registered school groups can tour Council landfills, Council’s Material Recovery Facility, operated by Impact Community Services, and opt to participate in a waste audit to work with one of Council’s waste and recycling officers to reduce waste and increase recycling and reuse within the school.
As part of the competition, schools can undertake a range of projects and submit a short summary to judges about improvements in waste reduction and recycling promotion.
Schools can participate in any number of ways, whether it be a waste audit, increased promotion of recycling to the school community, introduction of worm farms or composting or introducing a system for paper and cardboard reuse.
“This is a great opportunity for teachers to work with students on recycling innovations so that students can see first-hand the benefits of increased recycling,” Cr Rowleson said.
Interested schools can register by [email protected] or call Council’s Waste and Recycling team on 1300 883 699 for more information.
February 2017.