Sustainable Schools NSW has teaching resources for primary and secondary schools which are aligned with the NSW Curriculum. There are videos, downloadable lesson plans, activities and links to other resources on many different waste topics.
Please visit their website for further information and for funding opportunities for your school.
Local Programs & Support for NSW state funded schools eg. Excursions, fieldwork, environmental activities, school planning: Dorroughby Environmental Education Centre Visit Website or Ph: 02 6689 5286
Recycling
- Recycle Right http://www.newaste.org.au/recycleright/
- Downloadable bin system stickers: https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/business-government-recycling/standard-recycling-signs or check your local council website for area-specific bin signs.
- What happens to our Recycling Video: https://youtu.be/eMp1X7YlZEw
- Check out the Recycle Mate website and app to identify recyclable items https://recyclemate.com.au
Community Recycling Programs:
- Handheld and car batteries, paints, oils, gas bottles, fluoro globes and tubes and smoke detectors are accepted for FREE at any of the north coast’s Community Recycling Centres (CRC).
- Bottle and can recycling through Return & Earn https://returnandearn.org.au/how-it-works/
- Planet Ark Recycling Near You https://recyclingnearyou.com.au
- Take unwanted toys to Big W https://www.bigw.com.au/sustainability/planet/toys-for-joy
- Most handheld batteries can also be recycled at any B-cycle drop off point available at participating retailers including Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Bunnings and Battery World
Food Waste
- Food Smart Schools – Engaging lesson plans for children in Years 1 – 8 which are aligned with the National Curriculum are available on the NSW Love Food Hate Waste website: https://www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au/community/food-smart-schools
- FEAST – Hands on activities and teaching resources exploring food waste
Stages 1 – 3 | Information, activities | OzHarvest - Compost and worm tutorials – a step-by-step guide to composting and wormfarming.
Stages 3- 4 | Cross KLAs | Information | Randwick City, Woollahra and Waverley Councils with NSW Environmental Trust - Food Organics & Garden Organics recycling – Let’s Get Our Scrap Together Campaign resources –https://newaste.org.au/scrap/
Re-use and re-purpose
- Reusable Containers and You https://www.dropbox.com/s/c7lgr1z2159xk0m/Reusable-Containers-and-You-Factsheet-%282%29.pdf?dl=0
- Salvage Shed Treasure Hunt https://www.dropbox.com/s/llc7c9bqymalrce/salvage-shed-treasure-hunt.pdf?dl=0
Litter
- Discover more about litter and how it affects your local environment through the NSW EPA interactive website https://www.dontbeatosser.epa.nsw.gov.au
- Byron Shire Litter education video https://vimeo.com/549123418/6089fb96b3
- Byron Shire council ‘Litter Journey’ downloadable poster https://www.dropbox.com/s/r1rqmhg7mtsmjg9/Most%20Recent%20Litter%20Journey%20-%20BSC%20High%20Res.jpg?dl=0
Community litter programs:
- Keep Australia Beautiful https://www.kabnsw.org.au
- Take 3 for the Sea https://www.take3.org
- Clean up Australia Day https://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au
Further Support and information
What’s available from my local Council?

Ballina Shire Council
Ph:1300 864 444

Byron Shire Council
Ph: (02) 6626 7080

Clarence Valley Council
Ph:(02) 6643 0223

Lismore City Council
Ph: (02) 6625 0500

Kyogle Council
Ph: (02) 6632 1611

Richmond Valley Council
Ph: (02) 6660 0371

Tweed Shire Council
Ph: (02) 6670 2783
If you require additional or specific information, please contact your local Council Waste Education Officer or North East Waste Education Coordinator.
