Joining forces to ‘save the planet’ one recyclable at a time

The programme is aimed at year 5 pupils and is designed to help children understand the importance of recycling, waste reduction, and protecting the planet – while having fun along the way!

James Gatter, Contract Manager at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said: “Providing education for children on recycling and waste is key to our future. They are the drivers of future behaviour, we can change present attitudes with the aim to look after our world. We are really pleased to be providing this free waste education opportunity to local schools in Southend, to hopefully create a cleaner greener future.”

Schools wishing to take part receive copies of the ‘Dennis to the Rescue’ activity book with classroom activities as well as competitions for the whole school to get involved with, with the initiative aiming to spark conversations and encourage positive behaviour change at school and at home.

Winning entries from the poster competition will be rewarded with a visit from the Dennis to the Rescue Mobile Classroom - a fully converted Dennis Eagle waste lorry that has been customised into a colourful, interactive, environmental classroom.

Ash Sharma from Skips Educational, said: “We are delighted to support stakeholders with content that helps schools engage with the Dennis to the Rescue – Sustainable Schools Programme. This initiative is about more than just classroom learning, it’s about creating real conversations at home with parents, encouraging responsible waste management and positive behaviour change at source. We are especially excited to receive the poster competition entries and to take our Dennis to the Rescue mobile classroom out to winning schools, giving pupils the chance to enjoy an interactive, onboard learning experience for the day.”