Levendale Primary School

Waste Reduction Objectives

• To set up a community education program.
• The development of a community recycling depot.
• Conduct an audit of the school's current practices and implement changed practices in line with environmentally sustainable models.

Actions and Outcomes

1. A community education program

Levendale have purchased a worm farm and compost tumbler and used these resources to begin a focus on waste management with the students. They have begun to sort lunch waste and other materials that can be used in both containers. The students have become much more aware of the issues and importance of rubbish minimisation and appropriate waste management.

Levendale have shared their work with the parent population and have gained strong support for all areas of their proposal. Articles have been written in the school newsletter, and discussions have been held at school council meetings and Parents and Friends meetings.

Information sheets have been distributed to the community with other correspondence sent from the school and will be following up with the community after processing the results from an audit of waste management currently being undertaken.

2. The development of a community recycling depot

The Principal made contact with recycling companies to gauge their preparedness to assist in the removal of the school's recyclables. He has also spoken to the Southern Midlands Council about whether they can assist with a community recycling centre - currently awaiting a response. The council was very keen to support the program and may be able to provide important assistance through the provision of containers and signs.

The principal has spoken to many members of the community who are very supportive and begun negotiations with the local hall committee about placing the depot on their land.

The school has designed and distributed a Waste Management Audit form to each household in the local area.

The school is also exploring the possibilities of having their recyclables collected by a commercial organisation; however, this is proving to be very difficult.

3. An audit of the schools current practices and implementation of new practices in line with environmentally sustainable models

The school conducted an audit of the rubbish they have been producing. They identified seven potentially recyclable products, if they were sorted into appropriate receptacles. Previously, a significant amount of paper, cardboard and newspaper were being Landfilled. The school has very small quantities of glass, PET containers, milk cartons and steel and aluminium cans.

The school has purchased seven rubbish bins into which they now sort their rubbish. They now deliver the recyclables to a Waste Transfer Station when a bin is full.

The school has also established the resources necessary for the students to experience tracking the waste management cycle. They have established a worm farm, compost tumbler, garden beds and a hot house. These resources will be used to recycle some of the waste they are currently disposing of at the local tip and teach students the benefits of recycling/reusing in a hands on way.