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School waste education program

EnviroMentors - NSW's leading incursion-based environmental education service.

Are you looking for engaging ways to educate your students on circular economy, waste management, waste reduction, correct bin use and recycling? Waverley Council has partnered with Keep Australia Beautiful to provide free, targeted, environmental incursions to primary and secondary schools in 2023.

Register your school to participate in the EnviroMentors program and inspire your students to improve their local environment. Hurry, spots are limited.

To make a booking, please contact Shani from Keep Australia Beautiful at spatel@kabnsw.org.auThis external link will open in a new windowThis external link will open in a new window and 02 8594 4076

What is the EnviroMentors program?

Since 1994, EnviroMentors has been the country’s leading mobile incursion-based environmental education program, reaching every corner of NSW with sustainability workshops.

EnviroMentors school incursions aim to improve awareness and engagement on local sustainability issues and motivate students to improve their local environment in simple and practical ways.

EnviroMentors educators are fully qualified school education teachers with a depth of experience in lesson planning and class management. They are passionate about conservation, environmentalism and engaging young people and their communities in sustainable practices.

What modules are available?

Three modules are available to educate students on the issue of circular economy, waste management, waste reduction, correct bin use and recycling. These modules are delivered to one class at a time to maximise student participation and learning through activities, demonstrations and games catered for their learning stage. EnviroMentors can deliver between up to five workshops of the same module per school over one day.

#1. “In the Bin” Module for primary schools

Students are introduced to the waste services in their local council area and investigate the benefits of avoiding, recycling, composting, reusing, sharing, and repairing. Students are introduced to the circular economy, and how this economic model can minimise waste, the need for new resources and emissions from landfills. Students develop skills and attitudes that facilitate the adoption of waste minimising actions and are empowered to spread the information in their homes and communities.

#2. “Recycling” Module for primary schools

Students are introduced to Recycling and Landfill to answer questions including: What is Recycling? Why is Recycling important? How can students recycle in their local communities?

This module aims to reduce incorrect bin use and minimise contamination. Students are also introduced to the circular economy and learn how this model can minimise waste and the need for new resources.

#3. “Lunches Unwrapped” module for primary schools

Students develop an understanding of waste avoidance and explore the environmental implications, benefits and detriments of using different materials to package foods. They are empowered to make informed choices about the best or better alternative to single use packaging.

School Waste Audit for primary and secondary schools

Designed to guide schools to achieve their goal of diverting and reducing waste going to landfills. This program involves Keep Australia Beautiful working with a selection of students, such as student leaders, to assess the schools’ waste production by identifying major sources and types of waste being produced. Students will also take part in an educational discussion about landfill, recycling, composting, and catchment health. Teachers are then provided with the collected data and follow up resources to assist them on their way to a more sustainable school.

EnviroMentors and the School Curriculum

For the curriculum links to each module see the pdfs under Quick Links or go to https://www.kabnsw.org.au/enviromentors/This external link will open in a new windowThis external link will open in a new window

COVID-Safe Management Plan

Keep Australia Beautiful has updated its Risk Assessment in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in line with the Department of Education guidelines, and relevant health authorities.

In the event that an incursion cannot be held in person, the following modules can be held online: Composting, In The Bin, Litter / Keeping Waterways Clean, Recycling.

If you have any concerns in the lead up to your incursion, or the COVID-19 situation changes, please get in touch to make alternative arrangements.

Make a free booking

There is no cost to your school to participate, however 2023 spots are limited, so book your sessions early to avoid disappointment.

To make a booking, please contact Shani from Keep Australia Beautiful NSW at spatel@kabnsw.org.auThis external link will open in a new windowThis external link will open in a new window and 02 8594 4076