Ballina schools sort it out

BALLINA Shire Council is inviting local schools to become Waste Wise in 2025 by joining the Let’s Get it Sorted Schools Challenge.

Almost half of the waste in school landfill bins across the shire can be recycled or composted. The program is designed to reduce waste sent to landfill, improve resource recovery, and inspire positive environmental change in schools and the wider community.

Let’s Get it Sorted is open to primary and secondary schools throughout the school year. The program provides schools with free resources, visits from the Council’s Resource Recovery Education Officer, and funding of up to $500 for approved waste reduction initiatives.

Benefits for schools include saving money on waste services, protecting the environment, and educating and empowering students to be sustainable.

The program aligns with the Australian curriculum and supports areas of the NSW Education syllabus, presenting a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on learning while making a difference.

Schools can choose a class or form a team to lead the challenge. The Council will support a school-wide waste audit to identify areas for improvement.

Participating schools will develop custom plans focusing on initiatives such as implementing a 3-bin system, promoting nude food lunches, or establishing composting programs.

Activities, including poster competitions, waste-to-art projects, and school swaps, encourage involvement, and schools will measure progress through follow-up audits and be able to share their achievements with the community.

Expressions of interest from schools close on February 28.

To register or learn more, visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/school-programs