WEEE Free Week is an exciting project with an opportunity for schools to win cash prizes, funded by Veolia Environmental Services, DHL Envirosolutions and SWEEEP Kuusakoski. Prizes of £500, £300 and £200 will be awarded to the top three schools generating the most amount of WEEE per head, so no matter what the size of the school, everyone is in with a chance to win.
Participating schools are given a large pink skip for a week during which pupils, teachers and parents are encouraged to clear out their cupboards, sheds, lofts and garages for old electrical items and bring them in for recycling rather than throwing them in the bin at home. Schools with limited access can also take part by storing the gathered items, in an appropriate area, and having them collected with a van at the end of their chosen week.
The National Curriculum-linked project encourages pupils to help recycle old electrical equipment, such as old toasters, hairdryers, DVD players, kettles and radios, highlighting the importance of recycling small electrical items as well as larger and saving them from going to landfill.
Ashmole Primary School is the first in the borough to be taking part, with many others already signing up. Dates are being booked between October 2013 – July 2014 and are subject to availability.
The scheme has been borne out of a partnership between Veolia Environmental Services, Lambeth Council, electrical recycler SWEEEP Kuusakoski and DHL Envirosolutions.
Clement Gaubert, WEEE Compliance Manager for Veolia Environmental Services, said: “Veolia and its WEEE Compliance Scheme is delighted to work with Lambeth Council on this initiative. We believe the competition will be a great success and help raise awareness amongst young people, their parents and teachers about the benefits of recycling their electrical waste”.
Councillor Imogen Walker, Lambeth Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, attended the launch event at Ashmole Primary School and said: “I hope this programme educating school children about the importance of recycling will be a great success. I’m delighted Ashmole Primary is already involved and that school staff and pupils are so enthusiastic about taking part.”
Amanda Hamley, Commercial Assistant at Sweeep Kuusakoski, said: “This scheme has proved really popular with Lambeth schools. It’s a great opportunity for them to get involved in a project that is not only great for the environment, but also fun, with the opportunity to win a cash prize too. It’s an excellent way to highlight how to reduce waste to landfill and encourage recycling of both small and large household items.”
Simon Potter, Director at DHL, added: “DHL are very proud to be involved with this fantastic recycling initiative and the positive benefits it offers to both schools and our partners.”
For details please contact Amanda Hamley: [email protected] 01795 434 125 or visit www.sweeep.co.uk