Schools' Zero Waste Challenge

A competition for schools in Teignbridge, focusing on waste reduction.

Overview

The Zero Waste Challenge which ran between January 2009 and February 2010, was set for schools in Teignbridge district and was run by Resource Futures in partnership with Teignbridge District Council. It proved very successful with all schools reducing their waste and receiving input about the 3Rs.

There were two categories into which schools could enter:

The ‘Biggest reduction’ category was for schools that were new to waste reduction. These schools took part by having workshops and two waste audits - one between January 2009 and July 2009 and the second audit (to measure the reduction) between September 2009 and February 2010.

The ‘Lowest waste’ category was for schools that had taken part in Waste Audits and waste reduction campaigns previously, or who had had a waste audit in the last year. These schools took part in workshops and one waste audit to measure their waste from one day at school

The winning school in each category won £250. There was also a £50 prize for the school in each category that had the best campaign.

Educating teachers and pupils

In between audits the schools liaised with Teignbridge District council and Resource Futures’ staff to introduce new recycling facilities at their school. Resource Futures ran workshops at the schools and helped to embed 3Rs knowledge with all of the pupils.

In total 10 schools took part in the competition.

Results

Biggest Reduction

Winners: Doddiscombleigh Primary School - £250 and Widecombe Primary School - £50.

Bovey Tracey and Gatehouse Primary Schools won spot prizes of a selection of books on waste.

Lowest waste per pupil head

Winners: Kenton Primary - £250

Shaldon and Abbotskerswell Primaries both won £25 plus books about waste.