Dennis to the rescue returns after inspiring almost 3,000 students and their families across Milton Keynes
Following a successful launch in 2025, Dennis to the Rescue is set to return to Milton Keynes in 2026 to inspire even more young people to protect our environment by reusing and recycling.
Delivered by environmental services provider SUEZ, the 2025 programme was delivered at 13 schools, reaching 2,820 residents through a classroom lesson, an online competition involving family members and visits from a bespoke mobile classroom to 5 winning schools. Aimed at year 5 pupils, the programme combines fun interactive learning with important messaging designed to encourage children to think about the planet and to understand the value of re-use and recycling.
This year’s theme will focus on celebrating positive recycling behaviours, in recognition of Milton Keynes becoming the number 1 city for recycling in England, thanks to the engagement of residents across the city.
Peter Marshall, Contract Manager at SUEZ, said: “Community and school engagement is incredibly important to us at SUEZ. By working with schools in this way, we’re not only supporting them with interactive sessions aligned to the curriculum, but we’re also encouraging our future leaders to think about the planet. We had fantastic feedback with the programme last year and look forward to launching it again in September”
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 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.
Cabinet Member for Public Realm at Milton Keynes City Council, Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew, said: “It’s great to see Dennis to the Rescue returning after such a successful first year. Programmes like this make recycling fun and help build good habits early. With Milton Keynes now the number one city for recycling, it’s a fantastic way to inspire school aged children.”