Rethink Your Rubbish Education Programs
Kindergarten to Year 7
Program options for early childhood and primary school students
It’s not a load of rubbish (Kindergarten to Year 7)
Students will discover why waste is a problem and what they can do about it. This session explores:
· what is rubbish?
· where does it come from?
· why is it a problem?
· what can we do to minimise waste by reducing, reusing and recycling?
· what are the differences between organic waste, recyclables and general waste?
· a hands-on exploration of a worm farm.
Mad about worms (Kindergarten to Year 7)
Students will learn more about organic recycling. This session explores:
· what is organic waste?
· why is this waste a problem?
· how can organic waste be recycled by using chickens/pets/compost bins or worm farms?
· How can organic waste be recycled?
· how to set up and maintain a worm farm
· a hands-on exploration of a worm farm.
Litter bugs (Kindergarten to Year 7)
Students will discover more about litter. This session explores:
· where does litter come from?
· how does litter affect the environment?
· who is responsible for littering?
· how can we encourage people not to litter?
Nude food (Lower primary)
Students will learn more about lunch without the waste. This session explores:
· what is nude food?
· what is packaging made from?
· where does packaging end up?
· how does packaging affect the environment?
· how can we limit our use of packaging by avoiding, reducing, reusing and recycling?
· activities that explore what’s in a bin, what’s left over after lunch and how to make a rubbish free lunch.
What’s in the bin? (Years 4 to 7)
Students will find out what waste is created in their school environment. This session explores:
· what are the differences between organic waste, recyclables and refuse?
· why do we need to rethink our rubbish and minimise waste?
· how to conduct an audit of a rubbish bin
· how to classify rubbish bin contents according to material type and suitability for composting, reuse or recycling
· how to measure and record findings
· the effectiveness of current school waste management practices.
** Maximum of 15 students only for this session.
The wrap on wrapping (Upper primary)
Students will learn more about packaging, processing and marketing. This session explores:
· why do we use packaging?
· what are the different types of packaging?
· what are the issues associated with packaging?
· how long do different materials take to break down?
· where does the pressure come from to buy, buy, buy?
· designing and testing environmentally friendly packaging for everyday items.
Free programs
Brisbane City Council offers free-of-charge waste education programs to kindergarten and school groups. Council is committed to reducing waste and increasing the recovery, reuse and recycling of resources. The Rethink Your Rubbish programs are run by Council’s education officers, and are interactive and entertaining sessions on waste minimisation and resource management.
Workshop options for high school students
Education officers are available to visit high schools to talk about ways to minimise waste. Sessions for high schools are tailored on request. Please contact us for more information.
Towards Zero Waste Education Centre
The Towards Zero Waste Education Centre is a Council education initiative based at the Rochedale landfill site. The Centre hosts visitors from Brisbane schools and community groups who wish to learn more about waste minimisation and landfill operations. Visits to the Centre are free and include a guided tour of the landfill and a waste minimisation workshop.
School waste management assistance
Council offers schools assistance with developing school waste management plans and practices.
School waste minimisation guide
This guide outlines a five step approach to developing a successful and practical waste management plan for your school. For a copy of this guide email:
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Free recycling
Council offers free recycling bins to schools that have a waste management plan in place and a waste collection service with Brisbane City Council.
Professional development sessions for staff
Education officers are available to conduct professional development sessions for staff on waste minimisation and resource management. Officers can advise, facilitate and support school communities to implement sustainable waste practices and embed them in day-to-day school operations.
Practical advice
Council officers are available to visit your school and provide practical advice about waste disposal, infrastructure and services.
Bookings and more information
If you would like to book an education session, implement a waste management plan, visit the Towards Zero Waste Education Centre, or find out more information:
· phone Council on (07) 3403 8888
· visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
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