What Our Bins Are Telling Us

Model answer: Report on the School Waste Audit Introduction The purpose of this report is to present the findings of a one-week audit of waste in the cafeteria and classrooms, carried out by the Eco Committee, and to propose practical measures for reducing it. Bins in both areas were emptied and sorted each afternoon, and the contents were weighed and recorded. Key findings Three main points emerged. Firstly, approximately forty percent of everything thrown away consisted of recyclable paper and plastic, which suggests that the current recycling points are either insufficient or poorly signposted. Secondly, a considerable quantity of packaged food, including sandwiches, fruit and yoghurts, was discarded unopened. This appears to be attributable to students receiving more than they can eat, rather than to any dissatisfaction with the quality of the food. Finally, classroom paper bins filled at twice the anticipated rate, largely because printed worksheets and single-sided notes were being discarded after a single use. Recommendations In view of these findings, the committee recommends the following. First, clearly labelled recycling bins should be installed beside every general waste bin in the cafeteria, with illustrated instructions on each. Second, a "share table" should be introduced where unopened items can be left for others to take, and portions should be adjusted according to demand. Third, teachers should be encouraged to print double-sided and to use digital copies wherever possible. If these measures are adopted, it is estimated that the volume of general waste could be reduced significantly within a single term. The committee would welcome the opportunity to discuss the proposals in more detail.