Hotham Primary School and ADT College in Putney has won an award from Recycle Western Riverside in recognition of its continued commitment to recycling.

Both schools were presented with a cheque for £100 this week by representatives of Recycle Western Riverside, for their continued sustainable and innovative approach towards recycling in school. They fought off stiff competition from other schools across Wandsworth to take the prize.

The competition was held across Recycle Western Riverside’s campaign area (covering the boroughs of Hammersmith and Fulham, Lambeth, Wandsworth and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea). All 84 schools that Recycle Western Riverside have worked with since the beginning of the schools programme in September 2002, were eligible to take part in the competition.

All the schools that entered were asked to show how their recycling schemes fulfilled the following categories:

• Sustainability – evidence that the recycling scheme is becoming or has become part of everyday school life
• Communication – evidence of regular communication across the school. There was also interest in how the schools involved the wider community, including parents
• Participation – evidence of the commitment of the whole school
  Innovation – evidence of creativity in communicating and implementing rubbish reduction and recycling measures.

Melanie Ducret, Education Coordinator for Recycle Western Riverside, said: “Hotham School has shown a real commitment to rubbish reduction and recycling. They have continued to move forward in leaps and bounds. We were very impressed with the huge variety of environmental initiatives they have operating across the school.”

Pamela Young, Head Teacher at Hotham Primary School, said: “Since first becoming involved in the Recycle Western Riverside schools programme we have made considerable improvements in the way that rubbish is dealt with at school. In particular we have made a commitment to green procurement as well as focussed our attention on reduction and reuse initiatives. We are extremely pleased to receive this award from Recycle Western Riverside and will continue to improve our waste reduction and recycling in school.”

Children from Hotham show their pride at winning the award

Melanie Ducret, Education Coordinator for Recycle Western Riverside, said: “ADT College has shown a real commitment to rubbish reduction and recycling. Considering the large number of students at the college, it’s impressive to see such environmental action taking place. A core group of motivated students continue to work hard at maintaining their paper recycling across the school.”

Katie York, Deputy Head Teacher at ADT College, said: “Since first becoming involved in the Recycle Western Riverside schools programme we have made considerable improvements in the way that rubbish is dealt with at school. In particular we have focussed on recycling initiatives and making sure the whole college is aware of the importance of recycling. We are extremely pleased to receive this award from Recycle Western Riverside and will continue to improve our waste reduction and recycling in school.”
Pupils from ADT with their award and cheque