Our aim is to help children and the wider school community learn about natural resources, inspiring them to learn new skills and take practical action to reduce waste at school, home and in their community. 

The Waste Education Programme has evolved over many years and is an essential part of Devon’s long term approach to waste management in the County.

In 2006, Devon launched its first countywide Waste Educators Contract. This service provides high quality, curriculum linked workshops and assemblies for schools and provides opportunities for children to visit waste management facilities and see first-hand how our waste is managed.

Since 2008, the Devon Waste Education Team has worked closely with the contractor,  Resource Futures Ltd, to deliver one of the most successful and forward thinking waste education programmes in the Country.

A Waste Educator teaching children in a classroom at a Recycling Centre

How do we do this:

Our work falls into several areas:

  1. Workshops in schools

We have Waste Educators out in schools every week, delivering quality, interactive workshops that engage children with waste and resource issues.

  1. Website for advice and support

Browse our website for more information about what you can reduce,  reuse, recycle and compost in school and at home. If you can’t find what you are looking for, contact us!

  1. Free resources for teachers

Use our activity finder to browse the wide range of free teaching resources available on this website.

  1. Free school trips

We can host free school trips to Exeter and Plymouth waste management facilities including Devon’s Energy from Waste Plants and a Household Waste Recycling Centre.

  1. Teacher Training

We aim to offer a free training course every year to help you and your school become more sustainable. You can also sign up to our Sustainability Bulletin to keep up to date.

Sustainability Bulletin

Information and opportunities relating to environmental education, school gardening, composting, funding, waste and recycling.

View Bulletins

Our Impact

Devon’s pioneering work has resulted in one of the most successful and advanced waste education programmes in the Country and is an essential part of Devon’s long term approach to waste management.

Activity in 2026

  • 263 Workshops, waste audits & community events
  • 9,968 Young People reached through events and activities
  • 100% Teachers rate the workshops as “Good” or “Excellent”

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