Waste minimisation can be a very rewarding topic. As well as encouraging pupils to consider the wider impacts of their buying habits, they can also discover the value in some types of waste. Schools may also see direct benefits such as reduction in waste disposal costs.

Monitoring the amount of waste a school creates, while also taking steps to minimise this amount, takes time, effort and the cooperation of the whole school. However, having this knowledge can be really empowering and decisions can be made to bring about real differences.

The Eco-Schools objectives in this topic area are to:

• Raise awareness of what schools can do to minimise waste going to landfill - Eco Assembly 
• Reduce, reuse and recycle waste whenever it is practicable- Increased recycling 
• Help schools appreciate the financial as well as the environmental benefits of waste minimisation and recycling activities- Green Day Activities 
• Work with the local community in raising awareness and facilitating waste minimisation whenever possible - Pobbles Shop
• Help pupils, parents and teachers to understand that by minimising their waste they are contributing to the National waste minimisation strategy - Twitter Sharing