Enfield County School

When Enfield County School joined the Action on Waste project in November 2008, they already had paper, tin and plastic recycling facilities but felt they could be doing more. By July 2009 they had achieved an impressive 57.7% reduction in the amount of waste produced by the school.

What is Action on Waste?

Action on Waste is a 3 stage process that empowers student volunteers to create environmental change within their school and local community to reduce their waste, increase recycling and raise environmental awareness.

Actions

18 pupils formed an action group called Eco-Friendly and spent nine months working hard to promote and implement actions to reduce the amount of waste produced in the school.

Amongst other things, the group set up a website to promote waste reduction, implemented a student rota for emptying the recycling bins, and even featured in the local newspaper.

Successes

57.7% reduction in the amount of waste produced by the school.
Plastic bottle and aluminium can recycling was improved and promoted across the whole school.
29% reduction in the amount of paper being thrown away in general waste bins.
Through taking part in the project it is projected that if the current rate continues the Action Team and school would have diverted approximately 9 tonnes of rubbish over the year from landfill equating to a CO2 saving of 2.5 tonnes/year.

What did students say about the project?

Q. What differences did you make?
A. We promoted recycling in school and talked about the disadvantages of not recycling to persuade people to recycle. Year 10 student.

Q. Was the project a success?
A. Yes, because we cut down 57.7% of the rubbish and we’ve promoted recycling in our school. Year 10 student.

Q. What would you tell your friends about the project?
A. That it counts towards saving our planet and it's fun and easy and it's good in the long term. Year 10 student.
A. It's fun! You learn a lot and it’s a great way of helping the environment. Year 10 student.
A. It has helped me realise what can be done to help the environment. Year 10 student.
A. It’s a fun project that really does make a difference to the environment. Year 10 student.
A. It’s a fun way to help save our planet. Year 10 student.