RECYCLING IN SCHOOLS

That this House notes the important role recycling has in the sustainable use of resources and in protecting the environment; further notes that, according to the Waste Resources and Action Programme (WRAP), 78 per cent. of schools' waste could be easily recycled or composted; further notes the Department for Children, Schools and Families target to ensure that all schools are sustainable schools by 2020; is concerned that the financial implications of facilitating recycling mean straining school resources and often deterring schools from recycling at all; is further concerned by a UK Youth Parliament survey which found that 73 per cent. of councils do not provide a full recycling service for schools for free, that a third of local authorities classify schools' recycling waste as trade waste, despite Government recommendations, and that many councils that do offer the service said they may need to start charging in the future; supports the UK Youth Parliament campaign to make recycling in schools free and compulsory; and believes that recycling in schools is something local authorities need to prioritise as a necessary cost and work in partnership with schools to provide free recycling facilities and collections.