J&B Recycling Knowledge

Rising waste disposal costs are a tricky challenge for facilities managers in education settings, particularly with the introduction of the 2025 Simpler Recycling Scheme increases in Landfill Tax. Reducing waste disposal costs in education settings is a hot topic on the agenda, helping to reduce overall expenses and meet environmental responsibility goals. Each year primary schools generate an estimated 45 kg of waste per pupil, while secondary schools generate around 22 kg per pupil. And although studies show that 80% of waste is recyclable, the education sector has historically only recycled around 23% of its waste.

Implementing a comprehensive waste management strategy that aims to reduce, reuse and recycle can lower waste disposal costs in education settings,reduce the environmental impact of their waste, conserve resources and ensure they are compliant with new business waste laws - all while encouraging students to help care for their planet and create a cleaner, greener future.

Create a Comprehensive Waste Management Strategy

Reducing waste disposal costs in education settings, starts with the creation of a robust waste management strategy which considers all elements of waste management - right from the front end solutions for collecting waste to how the waste is processed after collection. This strategy includes a waste audit which looks at current processes and equipment and identifies any inefficiencies, along with a waste management plan which aims to reduce waste disposal costs.

Go Paperless and Reduce Paper Recycling

In just one day, the average school uses around 2,000 sheets of paper, equating to 360,000 sheets of paper per academic year. However, it’s estimated that 60% of this could be avoided. Introducing mandatory double-sided printing in schools would halve printing paper waste and switching to paperless processes is another effective paper reduction strategy. From sending letters to parents and printing off homework to taking registers and making notes, with the introduction of tablets and portals, many schools have already switched to digital systems to reduce paper waste.

Improve Front End Waste Solutions

An education setting can incur significant charges when waste becomes contaminated. This is often due to students or staff putting incorrect materials into recycling bins. Simple but effective changes to front end waste solutions can be implemented including the placement of bins, colour-coding and signage, which can boost recycling rates and dramatically reduce costs associated with contaminated waste. Can we link to a blog about front end solutions?

Tips to Reduce Food Waste in Education Settings

Food waste is a significant issue for schools, colleges and universities and it’s estimated that managing food waste costs the UK’s education sector £250 million each year - one study revealed that schools generate over 80,000 tonnes of food waste in any 40-week period, with fruit and vegetables among the highest food types going into their waste. Tips to reduce food waste in education settings includes:

‭• Use ingredient and meal planning software
‭• Create appealing yet smart menus, and with customisable options
‭• Introduce pre-order school dinners if it’s viable
‭• Reduce queuing times to give students more time to eat their food
‭• Flexible portion sizes - allow students to influence or choose their portion size as some may eat more than others
‭• Dewater food waste, to dehydrate and remove water for it. This can reduce the volume and overall weight by up to 30%, which in turn reduces waste disposal costs
‭• Compost food waste - Some food waste can be composted on-site which can be turned into nutrient rich soil to nurture plants, flower beds and shrubs around the grounds.
‭• Choose an environmentally sustainable food waste management provider - J&B Recycling can schedule food waste collections. The material is then processed by Anaerobic Digestion and transformed into biogas, bio fertilizer and compost.
‭• Donate unwanted canned or packaged ingredients to food banks.

Reduce Single-use Plastics in Education Settings

By reducing the weight of recycling or general waste, venues can also reduce business waste disposal costs. Discouraging single-use plastics helps reduce the volume of waste in bins, so encourage students to use reusable water bottles, coffee cups, and shopping bags and avoid disposable cutlery and plates. Opting for refillable containers for classroom or bathroom consumables can also help lessen the need for single-use plastics.

Repurpose Packaging in Early Years Settings

Once cleaned, packaging materials such as empty bottles, egg cartons and cardboard boxes can be repurposed for crafts and STEM projects in primary schools and early years settings. With a little creativity, these unwanted plastic and cardboard materials can be crafted into bird feeders, flower pots, toys or decorations.

Educate Staff and Students and Good Recycling Practices

Good recycling habits are underpinned by knowledge on how to dispose of waste and recycle correctly. Social media, email campaigns and educational posters can be used to improve recycling awareness among students and their families and everyday sustainability efforts can be integrated into the curriculum. J&B Recycling also offers educational tours of its Materials Recycling Facility in Hartlepool for student groups and teachers, in addition to attending local colleges and universities to promote good recycling practices. We also have a comprehensive and engaging range of free resources to enrich students' knowledge about recycling and environmental sustainability.