Weekly household food waste collections are being introduced across West Sussex between 2025 and 2027, helping to reduce waste and turn food waste into valuable resources such as renewable energy and fertiliser.

To support schools during this transition, Wastebuster, in partnership with West Sussex County Council and the West Sussex Waste Partnership, has launched a free, ready-to-use School Food Waste Recycling Support Pack for both primary and secondary schools.

It includes:

• ready-to-deliver assembly presentations
• curriculum-linked lesson activities
• eco team and pupil-led projects
• posters and bin signage for dining areas
• family information guides and home learning materials
• certificates to recognise school and pupil participation.

The resources help pupils understand why food waste recycling matters, how the new system works, and what happens to food waste after collection, while developing knowledge, leadership and responsible citizenship. Pupils are encouraged to take action in school and share their learning at home, supporting improved recycling behaviours across the wider community.

The Primary Food Waste Recycling Poster Competition

Primary schools are also invited to take part in a county-wide poster competition, where pupils design eye-catching posters to encourage correct food waste recycling.  Schools select their own winning entry and two runners-up to submit to the West Sussex competition.

The overall winner will receive:

• a special certificate
• a Busta mascot prize
• their poster featured on the Wastebuster website.

This is a great opportunity for pupils to apply their learning creatively, build confidence, and contribute to raising awareness within their school and beyond. Full details are included in the pack.

Why take part?

By using the pack, schools can:

• support their Climate Action Plan and sustainability priorities
• deliver curriculum-linked learning in a real-world context
• develop pupil leadership and engagement
• reduce contamination in food waste collections
• engage families and the wider community
• contribute to renewable energy generation and sustainable farming.
• Primary schools can also earn the Planet Protector Challenge Food Waste badge.

The pack has been designed to support schools in meeting increasing expectations around sustainability, climate action and environmental education, including the delivery of Climate Action Plans and wider government guidance on embedding sustainability across the curriculum. It provides a practical, evidence-based way to demonstrate progress, while enriching teaching and learning through real-world context.

Download the West Sussex School Food Waste Resource Pack

• For Primary schools
• For Secondary schools