BRIGHTLY coloured bin tops are not only helping Warrnambool Primary School solve the problem of litter in the playground — they are also teaching pupils the best ways to dispose of their rubbish.
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The school, in partnership with the Warrnambool City Council, has been trialling the use of two separate bins with coloured lids to distinguish between general waste and recyclables.
The result has been a near 100 per cent reduction in playground litter, while teaching pupils a valuable message of sustainability.
Teacher Thomas Fraser said the school’s sustainability captains had played an active role in promoting the bins and educating pupils the correct way to use them.
He said previously all rubbish, both general waste and recyclable, went into the same bin.
“The sustainability captains have set up the bins, put all the stickers on them and been very active in promoting the correct use to the rest of the school,” Mr Fraser said.
“They have done a couple of performances and worked in classrooms to make sure the other students know what types of rubbish go in which coloured bin.
“The bright coloured lids on the bins have not only helped reduce litter because they stop it from blowing out of the bin, but they are also an easy way for the kids to recognise the correct bin to use.”
He said the city council has also given away lunchboxes to help remind pupils of which bin to place their rubbish in.
Mr Fraser said the sustainability captains would continue auditing the rubbish used at the school, then aim to roll out the dual bin system out across the entire school — not just the playgrounds.
jwoolley@fairfaxmedia.com.au
