Eco Schools

Eco-Schools promotes environmental awareness around nine main themes, one of which is waste minimisation and recycling.

Eco-Schools involve the whole school (pupils, teachers, non-teaching employees and governors) together with members of the local community (parents, the local authority, the media and local businesses). The scheme enables schools to enter for an internationally recognised award, the highest level of which is the Green Flag, with intermediary awards of bronze and silver. Over 3,000 schools are currently registered, including 500 schools that have achieved Green Flag status.

Defra provides financial support for the operation of Eco-Schools providing £40,000 of funding for Eco-Schools in 2006-07. £100,000 is also provided from non-grant sources, mainly from other sponsorship.

In addition, from April 2006 the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) will be carrying out work with schools, including continuation of the Cycler assemblies, as part of their waste awareness programme. Many local authorities are involved with waste education work, both independently and with WRAP.

The Environment Action Fund also funds some projects that work with young people on issues around sustainable consumption.

No recycling targets have been specifically set by the Government for schools.