Helping Kids
Understand Waste —
Properly

Clear, structured online courses about plastic and waste systems. For home learning and schools. Across four age groups.

Learning paths that grow with age

Courses are structured by age, increasing in depth and complexity — from basic understanding

to real-world systems and trade-offs.

Ages 6–9

Understanding waste basics

What waste is, where it comes from, and what happens after we throw things away — explained in simple, concrete terms that connect to everyday life.

Ages 10-12

Materials & everyday systems

How common materials like plastic are made, used, and processed — and why recycling works sometimes, but not always.

Ages 13-16

Systems, impact & trade-offs

A deeper look at waste systems, global flows, and the unintended consequences of “good ideas” when scaled to the real world.

Ages 17 +

Reality, responsibility & decision-making

Exploring waste, consumption, and sustainability through a systems lens — preparing students to think critically about policy, design, and real-world choices.

What’s included

All courses are worksheet-based and printable.

What's Included:

All courses are worksheet-based and printable.

Each courses include:

5 video modules

10 PDF worksheets

Clear background explanations

Guided discussion prompts

Reflection questions

Activities

Delivery Format:

Instant digital access

Print and reuse anytime

What’s included

All courses are worksheet-based and printable.

What's Included:

All courses are worksheet-based and printable.

Each courses include:

5 video modules

10 PDF worksheets

Clear background explanations

Guided discussion prompts

Reflection questions

Activities

Delivery Format:

Instant digital access

Print and reuse anytime

Why this matters now

Plastic waste is increasing, while recycling systems are under pressure and often misunderstood. Most education stops at sorting waste, without explaining what actually happens next.

Understanding how materials, systems, and everyday choices are connected helps children navigate today’s world with awareness and confidence, and make better decisions in a changing world.

School of Recycling supports children in developing future-ready life skills through real-world learning.

Testimonials

Hellen Mullan

GRADE 2 TEACHER, SUSTAINABILITY LEAD INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

In module 1, SoR communicates complex ideas about plastic in a way that is clear, accessible, and engaging for young learners.

His non-judgemental teaching style creates space for students to think critically and form their own opinions.

By encouraging them to question the objects around them and consider their necessity and end of life, the resources support a meaningful shift in mindset and helps students build a more thoughtful relationship with materials

Edd Moore

CLIMATE EDUCATION, CONSULTANT, TEACHER AND AUTHOR

The Plastic Story is a wonderfully engaging and informative module that captures students' attention from the start. It clearly explains where plastic comes from, taking learners on a fascinating journey from ancient ocean life to modern-day materials. The visuals are bright and creative, making complex processes like oil formation and plastic production easy for students to understand.

The video keeps a great pace and stays clear and to the point, making it ideal for classroom use. By the end, students are motivated to think critically about waste and their own role as “Waste Detectives.” Overall, The Plastic Story is a creative and well-designed learning resource that makes a big impact in a short time.

Steffen Knobloch

GRADE 6 & 7 TEACHER, HEAD OF INT. MIDDLE SCHOOL

The video is clearly structured and presented in a calm, easy-to-understand way that is well suited for children and young people.

The summary and interactive activities at the end are engaging and help learners actively connect with the topic.

Module 1 successfully captures young viewers' interest, makes the topic feel relevant to their everyday lives, and encourages them to continue with the following videos.

Social proof / credibility

Trusted, Practical, and Real-World

School of Recycling courses are created by sustainability practitioners and based on real recycling systems.

They are used by families, teachers, and learning communities to support meaningful, future-ready education.

Developed from hands-on experience with plastic recycling

Inspired by on-the-ground work in waste and recycling

Taught 1.000 + kids and educators from different nationalities

Used by families and educators

Suitable for classrooms, homeschooling, and community programs

Designed for both parents and teachers

Learning Outcomes

Courses for learners aged 10–12, introducing waste systems through clear explanations and real-world examples.

Children will learn:

What happens to plastic after it is thrown away

Why not all plastic can be recycled

How plastic impacts ecosystems, oceans, and communities

How individual choices connect to larger systems

How awareness leads to responsibility and better decision-making