Sustainable Development is recognised as an important and integral part of the National Curriculum in the DCSF Sustainable Schools Strategy. The National Framework introduces eight 'doorways', including waste, through which schools can initiate or extend their sustainable school activity. The Essex County Council Waste Education Team deliver Waste Education Programmes free of charge in ECC secondary schools to support the delivery of the framework through the theme of waste.

Points to Note

Please note the following points:

• Maximum of 4 x 1 hour lessons per visit
• Maximum 1 class per lesson
• Maximum 3 visits per school per term
• The services delivered by the Waste Education Team are funded by Essex County Council and are therefore not available to schools in the unitary authorities of Southend and Thurrock. Schools in these areas should contact their local council with enquiries about Waste Education (see District/ Borough waste contacts under 'Related Links')

How to Book

For further information or to book a visit, please email your name, telephone number/ email address and a suggested time to contact you, to WasteEducationTeam@essexcc.gov.uk. Upon receipt of your email, a member of the team will contact you to arrange the visit.

PLEASE NOTE: The Waste Education Team is fully booked for the autumn term 2008 and will be taking bookings for the spring term 2009 from 1st September. Please note that visit requests received before this date will not be processed as the team does not operate a waiting list system.

Other Resources

The Waste Education Team also provides the following resources and information for secondary schools details of which can be found by following the 'Related Links' opposite;

• Local and National Recycling Schemes - A number of charities and recycling organisations offer prize or cash incentives to schools that collect items on their behalf for recycling e.g. old mobile phone, Yellow Pages directories, textiles and shoes
•  Waste Education Packs and resources - Details of National Award Schemes for schools with a recycling theme, Theatre and Performing Arts Groups that deliver waste-related workshops and shows, Waste Education Packs, Waste Education DVDs, videos and CD-Roms and Waste Education Online Resources

Schools Recycling Collections

The local District and Borough Councils in Essex are the Waste Collection Authorities and provide refuse and recycling collections. To find out more about recycling collections for schools, please contact your local council - contact details are listed under 'Related Links'.