News & Media > Environmental Services

21:04:2010

Visit broadens understanding of reuse and recycling

Pupils from a Norfolk first school have visited a household waste recycling centre (HWRC) as part of an initiative to increase children’s understanding of waste reduction, reuse and recycling.

Pupils from Pott Row First School visited the Kings’ Lynn HWRC as part of the Norfolk waste reduction team's Schools’ Waste Action Club initiative.

Under the Schools' Waste Action Club, schools carry out a programme of classroom-based activities, followed by a visit to a HWRC to further broaden the children's knowledge and understanding of waste reduction, reuse and recycling - and give them ideas to take back to school and home.

Sarah Chapman, regional operations director for May Gurney Environmental Services, said: “This initiative fits into the school curriculum on many levels and also is part of the gateway to 'Sustainable Schools' under 'Purchasing and Waste'.

“Our aim is to help schools reduce their overall waste, improve their reuse and recycling and get the message back home to pupils’ families. This, in turn, contributes to our wider targets of reducing waste to landfill and increase recycling.”

Speaking about the inaugural school visit, Jackie Piermont, waste reduction officer with Norfolk County Council, said: “A huge 'thank you' for making our first school visit such an enjoyable experience for the staff and children of Pott Row First School.

“The site staff could not have been more helpful and the place was immaculate. I understand everyone put in extra time to make the trip happen and it really is appreciated.”

Footnote: Working on behalf of Norfolk County Council under a long-term contract, May Gurney is responsible for the operation and management of the county’s HWRCs. May Gurney also operates five re-use centres - offering a bring and buy service for good quality, second hand household items - to help residents reduce, re-use, and recycle as much as possible and send less of their waste to landfill. Click here to read more about May Gurney's work in partnership with Norfolk County Council.