Pupils at Lakenham Primary School have enjoyed a hands-on recycling lesson as part of Norwich City Council’s Love Norwich campaign, which aims to boost recycling, reduce waste and keep the city’s streets clean.
The visit, delivered in partnership with Biffa Waste Management, gave children the chance to sort clean recycling, load it into wheelie bins and watch them being lifted into a real bin lorry.
The session forms part of a wider programme, delivering practical, age-appropriate learning across local schools. Recent visits have taken place at Bignold Primary and Angel Road Primary, with Mile Cross Primary also set to receive a session in the coming weeks.
As part of the visit to Lakenham, Biffa also donated two trees and a selection of seeds to support the school’s rewilding area, helping create a greener outdoor space for pupils and encouraging positive environmental stewardship.
The programme supports the goals of Love Norwich by helping young people – and, through them, their families – understand what can and can’t be recycled locally. Through direct engagement, practical advice and school-based education, the initiative improves understanding of waste legislation, reduces contamination in household bins and encourages long-term positive environmental behaviours.
Cllr Emma Hampton, Norwich City Council’s portfolio holder for climate and environment, said: “These visits are a lot of fun for everyone involved, and they underpin our longstanding commitment to keeping Norwich’s streets clean and being a climate responsive city.
“Teaching children how to recycle correctly is one of the most effective ways we can build long-term environmental awareness in our communities. These school visits are fun, practical and engaging, and they help young people understand why recycling right really matters.
Russell Roberts, Business Manager, Biffa Waste Management, said: “We are delighted to be able to showcase how Biffa is committed to a circular economy and sustainable future. We value our role within the community and our commitment to recycling waste on behalf of Norwich City Council.
Jenny Spicker, Geography and Sustainability Co‑Lead at Lakenham Primary School, said: “The children had a fantastic morning learning how recycling works in real life. Being able to sort materials themselves and watch the lorry in action really brought the lesson to life. We’re also thrilled with the tree and seed donation for our rewilding area – it’s a wonderful addition to our outdoor learning space and will help us continue teaching pupils about caring for the environment.”
The council will continue its engagement throughout the year, offering more pupils the chance to take part in interactive waste and recycling sessions, while also supporting other groups across the city to improve understanding of waste responsibilities under the Love Norwich campaign.
