Waste module

Overview

The Waste Module helps schools minimise waste sent to landfill through the operational practices of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’, and save on bills.

In addition to saving money, there are many social and environmental advantages to reducing waste consumption, such as minimising our impact on the environment.

Building waste reduction into every aspect of school life not only benefits our environment, it also helps schools reduce costs and improves quality of life for the community.

This is increasingly important for the reputation of schools as students, teachers and parents become aware of climate change and other environmental issues facing our communities.

If signing up and committing to the ResourceSmart Schools program it is recommended to start and complete the core module first then proceed with other modules in any order or the same time.

If not signing up to the program, schools can utilise the waste resources to become more sustainable.

Key areas

Workplace/operational

Assess how waste is managed in school by using audits and litter assessments. Create a waste and litter reduction plan, learn to manage litter in school grounds and yard (e.g. food and garden waste) and improve management of recyclables.

Learning and teaching

Explore curriculum activities that engage students in learning to manage waste and resources more effectively.

Whole school community engagement

Encourage the whole school to work on waste by engaging teachers, students, parents and the wider community.

Module completion

Complete 7 compulsory actions and a minimum of 27 of the 39 recommended actions to meet certification requirements.

Resources

Additional waste resources

• How to reduce, reuse and recycle waste in schools – Cool Australia creates units of work and learning activities that are year level specific, from Early Learning to Year 12. All are linked to Australian Curriculum standards and the Early Years Learning Framework outcomes. They offer some great Waste resources for teachers and students.
• Waste and resource recovery groups – Victoria's metropolitan and regional waste and resource recovery groups plan the management of municipal solid waste in Victoria. There are 13 regions in Victoria and each encompass one or more councils. Waste management groups also play an essential role in educating the community about waste minimisation and resource recovery. Regional education officers provide advice, education resources and assistance with waste reduction programs and can provide guidance to work through the ResourceSmart Schools Waste Module.

Page last updated: 24/09/26