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Insights and Stories

School Recycling League 2024: Fostering Recycling Awareness in Young Leaders

November 25, 2024

Close to 300 pre-, primary, and secondary schools participated in the School Recycling League 2024 jointly organised by Sembcorp Environment and the Singapore Environment Council. It is an initiative that fosters a culture of environmental responsibility amongst children and youths. In addition to promoting good recycling habits, the programme aims to inspire a collective commitment towards sustainable practices, driving long-term positive change.

Cultivating Recycling Awareness Amongst Students

(Left) School Talk at Greenwood Primary School (Right) Recycling Corner by Little Skool-House Orchid Country Club

The year-long School Recycling League programme kicked off with schools transforming their spaces into personalised recycling hubs, where students took ownership of creating vibrant and functional recycling corners. These spaces, designed for the collection of recycled paper, plastic, metal, and glass, empower students to actively participate in sustainability efforts, making recycling a hands-on, relatable experience.

Through a series of engaging awareness talks and activities led by educators and Circularity Consultants from Sembcorp Environment, students were immersed in the core principles of recycling – learning both the dos and don’ts, as well as best practices for waste reduction and resource recovery.

 

Recognising Sustainability Excellence 

Ms Isabella Huang-Loh, Chairman of Singapore Environment Council and Mr Lee Kok Kin, CEO of SembWaste taking a group photo with the Gold Award winners

At the award ceremony held on 5 November 2024, the top-performing schools which demonstrated exemplary commitment and effort in recycling were celebrated. Congratulations to My First Skool @ Blk 153 Bishan, Mee Toh School, and Manjusri Secondary School for winning the Gold Award in the Pre-, Primary, and Secondary School categories respectively. 

In his remarks, Mr. Lee Kok Kin, Chief Executive Officer of SembWaste emphasised, “Reducing waste and enhancing circularity are crucial steps in driving sustainability on a global scale. Every individual, every institution, and every community have a role to play. It is inspiring to witness the active role that schools are taking in shaping a more sustainable future, and as a leading environmental services provider, we are proud to support this movement.”

Ms. Isabella Huang-Loh, Chairman of Singapore Environment Council remarked, “The School Recycling League is a vital component of Singapore’s Green Plan, which aims to significantly boost recycling rates and minimise landfill waste. It is encouraging to see how this initiative helps students internalise these critical goals, creating a foundation for lasting environmental change.”

 

A Testament to Education and Community Involvement 

At the award ceremony, event attendees had the opportunity to appreciate #RecyclingChallenge winning entries

The participation of schools in recycling programmes underscores the transformative power of education and community engagement in driving sustainable change.

Mr. Sim Chong Boon, Principal of Manjusri Secondary School, remarked, “Over the past few years, teachers and students have been discovering innovative ways to lead the charge for reusing and recycling materials. Being part of this larger, nationwide movement reinforces our commitment to fostering sustainable practices for generations to come.”

 

Fostering Partnerships for a Sustainable Ecosystem

Representatives from TSG Food Pte Ltd, Freshening Industries Pte Ltd, KGS Pte Ltd, LION Corporation (S) Pte Ltd, and United Overseas Bank (from left to right) were presented with tokens of appreciation in recognition of their support for the initiative

The success of initiatives like the School Recycling League highlights the importance of collaborative partnerships in building a sustainable ecosystem. By collaborating with like-minded companies, we can provide the resources, expertise, and support necessary to engage schools and students in meaningful sustainability practices. These partnerships enable the creation of innovative recycling programmes, equipping the next generation with the knowledge and tools to drive environmental change.

As we continue to nurture these alliances, we are not only advancing the green agenda but also fostering a culture of corporate social responsibility that extends far beyond business. Together, we are shaping a future where sustainability is a shared priority, and every effort counts toward a circular economy.

For more information on the School Recycling League, please visit School Recycling League | Sembcorp.