Each year, around 1.5 million tonnes of textiles are disposed of in landfill in the UK.
Source: Environmental benefits of recycling WRAP, 2010
The Sport into Schools London 2012 Inspire project enables children and young people to care for the environment by diverting textiles waste from landfill.
The programme exchanges unwanted textiles for new sports equipment and coaching, encouraging the next generation to become healthy, environmentally aware, active members of the community.
The project is available to all schools and sports clubs in England to:
- Exchange unwanted clothes and shoes for new sports equipment
- Try new sports activities
- Support young and disadvantaged aspiring athletes
- Be part of London 2012
Schools can also:
- Explore waste in the curriculum with free Wastebuster membership
- Work towards an Eco-Schools award
- Use their involvement as the basis of an application to join the London 2012 Get Set network
How does the programme work?
Simply register here book a textiles collection day and you will be sent your free campaign pack and login details to access a wide range of online resources - everything you need to make your day a success.
The textiles are collected and weighed on your collection day and Sport Points allocated to your online account, based on the tonnage you managed to collect. You can then exchange your Sport Points for great new sports equipment from the London 2012 Inspire project’s range of over 5000 items!
A detailed step-by-step guide to Sport into Schools can be found here.
'I think Sport into Schools is a brilliant idea, there’s a real focus for schools on how they make links and relationships around the Olympics and how it links to Sustainability.'
Andrew Suter, Eco-Schools England Programme Manager
Sport into Schools case study video
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Sport into Schools case studies
How do we get involved?
Schools and sports clubs can register here
You will be sent a username and password within 24hrs to login to the Wastebuster website.
Following login, simply go to the Get Started area for all the information you should need to book and plan for your textile-tastic collection days, use your Sports Points and get great new sports equipment from the Exchange Store.
For further project information or registration support, please contact Wastebuster by email: info@wastebuster.co.uk or tel: 01483 893550
Frequently asked questions
Do you supply hard copy campaign materials and collection sacks?
Yes. You will receive collection day reminder posters, flyers, collection bags and giant playground sacks in your collection pack. You can download a letter template for parents and a press release for your schools/ club website and newsletter from the Sport into Schools campaign materials area
When do we get our pack?
10 days before your collection.
Can sports clubs join too?
Yes.
How do I book a collection?
By emailing sportintoschools@lmb.co.uk or logging in and using your online calendar
I’ve lost my login details, can I have a reminder?
Yes. Please email info@wastebuster.co.uk and you will receive a password reset email.
How many Sports Points do I get for my textiles?
20,000 for the first tonne and 35000 for every tonne after – you can go to the Exchange Store to see a selection of 5000 items of sports equipment to choose from, and what their Sports Point value is.
Is there a guide for the project?
Yes. There is a Sport into Schools step-by-step guide here. There is also the more detailed Sport into Schools Get Started Guide that includes teaching resoruces (you must be logged in to see this page).
Are there any teaching resources for the project?
Yes. You will find them in the Sport into Schools Get Started Guide (you must be logged in to see this page).
How many collections can we book?
There is no limit. You may book as many as you wish.
When do we get our Sports Points?
On the 15th of the month, following your collection.
Where do my Sports Points go?
Into your online account – you will find it in the top right hand corner of the screen when you log in.
How do I spend my Sports Points?
Simply login and go to the Exchange Store and you will be able to start ordering items.
Can we join at any time?
Yes.
Will the programme continue beyond London 2012?
Yes. The programme will be available for the whole of 2012 and if successful the project will be made available to all schools and sports clubs in the UK.
