The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and The Sustainables Academy have launched a free competition for UK primary schools.
With funding from CIWM, the “Design the Resource Revolution Centre” competition is a nationwide initiative that aims to inspire the next generation of professionals in resource and waste management, circular economy, and sustainability.
The competition will launch in schools in April 2025 and focus on the 10Rs – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repair, Re-purpose, Rethink, Regenerate, Redesign, and Recover.
Aimed at over 200 primary schools across the UK, learners will engage with concepts of better reuse, recycling, innovative technology, green skills, and actions that support Earth stewardship.
CIWM said the purpose of the initiative is to challenge kids to think critically about materials, waste management and the circular economy.
The competition also explores the key responsibilities of individuals, communities, businesses, and governments in safeguarding the planet’s resources.
This competition empowers young people to design the future of sustainable resource management.
By encouraging schools to integrate this project into their sustainability action plans, CIWM said the competition creates a learner-led approach that develops practical skills and promotes sustainability awareness.
CIWM said the Resource Revolution Centre competition aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and the Eco-Schools framework.
The competition aims to introduce learners to real-world applications of waste management and the circular economy. The programme is designed to be fully accessible for learners and adaptable for schools.
This simplifies the process of integrating the programme into existing school curriculums and tailoring it to the sustainability goals of individual schools.
Teachers can access a suite of free educational resources to guide their learners in planning and executing their Resource Revolution Centre designs.
Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs at CIWM, commented: “By integrating critical thinking, innovation, and environmental stewardship into the classroom, this competition empowers young people to design the future of sustainable resource management.
“This is more than just a competition – it’s an opportunity to change mindsets, promote green skills development, and foster a deeper understanding of resources and waste management and the circular economy.”
