A picture of the recycling campaign poster.
Children across the district have been at the forefront of championing the importance of recycling.

Our joint waste partnership with Tamworth Borough Council, today announces the launch of a new recycling campaign, #RecycleForGood, inspired by the voices of our residents and led by the passion of our children.

Sponsored by Bartec Municipal Technologies and other companies passionate about recycling, the campaign is designed to help the community recycle better, reduce waste, and protect our environment for future generations.

"Our children are leading the way"

One of the most compelling aspects of this campaign is the engagement of our local children. From classroom discussions to playground debates, children across the district have been at the forefront of championing the importance of recycling. As one local parent, Sarah Thompson from Burntwood, said, “My daughter keeps reminding us how important it is to recycle, and her enthusiasm has made our whole family more mindful about separating our waste.”

Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, Cabinet member for Visitor Economy, Ecology and Climate Change for Lichfield District Council says:

"Our children are our future, and they are already showing us how passionate they are about saving the planet. We hope this campaign empowers them and inspires everyone in the district to make the best choices when it comes to recycling."

The campaign recognises the enthusiasm of young people and offers schools the opportunity to book a visit from a recycling advisor. These interactive sessions will show students how to recycle effectively and the impact of not separating waste carefully, providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to make a real difference. For schools and families looking for an engaging, digital approach, there is also an online game called Recycle Rush that teaches players the best recycling practices in a fun, interactive way.

All schools in the district and borough will be offered a #RecycleforGood digital schools pack and communications will be sent out over the Autumn with interactive group sessions being booked throughout the next 12 months.

Councillor David Foster, Tamworth Borough Council’s portfolio holder for environmental, sustainability, recycling and waste, said:

“I’m delighted to see how this campaign is being led by our residents, and in particular our local children. It so humbling to see school children voicing their passion about the benefits of recycling and how important it is to protect our environment for the future.

“I’m sure that this campaign will demonstrate how we can all help recycle better and make permanent changes to have a real positive impact on making our communities cleaner and greener. Making small changes in our recycling habits can make a huge difference on our future.”

Tim Hobbs, CEO of campaign sponsors Bartec Municipal Technologies, said:

“Bartec Municipal is excited to support the Recycle for Good campaign, a fresh and forward-thinking initiative that mirrors our commitment to put residents at the heart of innovation. Like our own Collective platforms, this campaign is designed to inspire real change, making recycling more accessible, efficient, and community-driven.

“Together, we’re championing a smarter, more sustainable future—one where every resident plays a vital role in shaping a cleaner, greener world. We are looking forward to being part of this campaign over the coming years and to see the impact it will have on recycling performance.”

 Why recycling matters

The benefits of recycling effectively are clear, and the new #RecycleForGood campaign highlights these key reasons:

  1. Protecting the environment: Recycling reduces the amount of waste that goes for incineration, conserves natural resources, and decreases harmful emissions. Lichfield resident Martin Davis shared, “I’ve always thought of recycling as something simple I can do to reduce my carbon footprint. When you realize the impact, it’s hard not to take part.”
  2. Saving costs for everyone: Recycling effectively helps the council keep waste management costs down, which in turn helps manage council taxes and keep services running smoothly. "If we all pitch in and recycle effectively, we can help lower the costs of waste disposal for the entire district," says Councillor Janice Silvester-Hall, Cabinet Member for Visitor Economy, Ecology and Climate Change "Every little action makes a difference."
  3. Cleaner, greener communities: Casual attempts at recycling can contaminate entire loads of waste, causing more harm than good. "I was surprised how much of a difference sorting items effectively can make," says Laura Williams, a local resident. "Once you get into the habit, it becomes second nature."

Get involved - schools and families leading the change

The joint waste partnership is encouraging schools, families, and the wider community to take part in the campaign and learn more about the importance of recycling. Schools can now book a visit from the councils’ Recycling Advisors for an educational and interactive session, while families can challenge themselves and each other to complete the Recycle Rush game, which highlights common mistakes people make when sorting their recycling.

The #RecycleForGood campaign emphasises that recycling is more than just separating items into the right bin – it’s about creating a lasting impact for generations to come. Every correct action counts toward a more sustainable future.

How to participate

Together, we can recycle for good – for our environment, our community, and our future.

For any questions people can email communications@lichfielddc.gov.uk

Published: 13 November 2024