We offer free waste and recycling workshops for schools, colleges and other educational settings. Through these workshops, we aim to raise awareness of waste related issues and increase recycling rates.
In the 2023/24 financial year, we made 90 educational visits to primary and secondary schools, nurseries, pre-schools, scout groups, community groups and other local events.
The workshops are run by staff in our Recycling Education Team, who have been DBS checked.
What happens at a workshop
Our workshops last 50 minutes and cover the following topics:
- What goes in the different waste bins
- How the recycling process works
- What the different recyclables are made of
- Concept of Earth treasures
- Fire awareness
- Materials that are difficult to recycle
- Places we can take our recycling
We bring pop up stands and plenty of props to help us run engaging games, activities and conversations.
Our mascots Recycling Rita and Hungry Harry.Our mascots Recycling Rita and Hungry Harry also join in the workshop either in person or on video to show us how to recycle. They are fun and engaging for students who then feel more committed to their pledge to recycle more.
We can tailor workshops to meet your needs
We can tailor our workshops for different age ranges of children and the key stage they are currently learning at.
We can also run different sizes of workshop, depending on the needs of the children and their ages. This includes either workshops or assembles for one class of 30 students through to entire year groups or a full school.
When and where we can host workshops
Our workshops can take place on weekdays, all year round. Please give us at least two weeks’ notice when you get in touch to book, preferably longer if possible.
We usually come to you, but we can accommodate groups in the Town Hall if needed (with plenty of notice).
If we host a workshop for you at a different venue, you will need to arrange and fund your own transport.
Visit to the Energy Recovery Facility in Fengate
In partnership with Viridor, we can offer free visits for schools and educational settings to the Energy Recovery Facility in Fengate.
The Energy Recovery Facility has a dedicated visitor centre and classroom. During these visits, your students can learn about:
- What happens to the waste put in black bins
- How we turn waste into electricity
Students will be able to go up to the control room and see the bunker grab cranes in action. There is also an opportunity for visitors to use virtual reality headsets and play on a grab machine.
You can book these visits by emailing us at recycling@peterborough.gov.uk or visiting the Viridor website: Viridor site visitor booking form.
Please note restrictions may apply.
If you can't take your students in-person to the Energy Recovery Facility, there's a virtual tour available on the Viridor website.
Projects with Eco Green Teams
We can work with schools' Eco Green Teams to develop a waste project or audit. We can design the projects based on what the teams are currently learning about.
Testimonials
'Thank you so much for the visit it was so informative and the children are already really thinking about what they are recycling!'
Ormiston Meadows Academy
'Today, one of our fabulous students brought in a home made recycling bin, following our excellent assembly from @PeterboroughCC about recycling! We are so proud of how passionate our children are about saving the environment!'
Highlees Primary (posted on X / Twitter)
Get in touch
For more information, or to book a workshop, please email recycling@peterborough.gov.uk.