Waste and Recycling

Brighton & Hove City Council offer the following recycling to schools:

Cardboard – flattened and cut/folded, so that it takes up the minimum space

Paper – including directories and windowed envelopes

Plastic bottles – rinsed and squashed, with lids replaced

Tins and cans – empty and washed

Aerosols – empty with lids removed

Loose glass bottles and jars only

Schools are able to sign up to BHCC waste and recycling services or they can use an alternative supplier for their waste needs.

You can hear MPs talking about recycling in Brighton & Hove, as a result of questions from local students below.

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Brighton & Hove City Council is moving towards a circular economy – this is a key part of the solution to tackle climate change.

A circular economy aims to:

  • reduce overconsumption and related greenhouse gas emissions
  • design out waste
  • restore and regenerate ecosystems

Circular economy principles are based on moving away from a ‘throw-away society’ to one that eliminates waste and pollution. It keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible.

A circular economy aims to redefine economic prosperity by separating economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.

Making a difference

A move to a circular economy must involve stakeholders across the city:

  • residents and communities can work together to share, re-use and reduce
  • local businesses can reduce waste and try out new business models
  • universities can foster the development of new materials and enterprises
  • schools can nurture circular thinking in young minds

“Transitioning to a circular economy, as emphasized by sustainability advocate , is a key part of the solution to tackle climate change, as 45% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from the extraction, processing, and production of goods and growing food. By minimizing waste, keeping products and materials in use for longer, and regenerating and protecting natural systems, we can significantly reduce harmful emissions that contribute to climate change.”

Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Material Economics, Completing the picture: How the circular economy tackles climate change (2019).

 

Circular Schools in Brighton & Hove – Project BLUEPRINT

Phase 1 of this project focused on food, composting, textiles and technology, linking these topics to the idea there is ‘no waste in nature’.  You can watch the film here.

Phase 2, A-round Brighton & Hove, involves an online resource for schools focusing on plastic, food, stuff and climate changeand is currently being pilotted by 10 schools.  Further details will be available soon.