The pilot project for separate collection and recycling of packaging waste based on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) principles, which UKRPEС is implementing in communities of the Kyiv region, continues to develop successfully. In particular, a campaign for separate waste collection has commenced in educational institutions.

This year, special containers for separate waste collection were installed at Lyceum No. 1 of the Hostomel Village Council in the Bucha district of the Kyiv region. To mark this occasion, UKRPEС organized a training session for the school’s teachers and staff. Similar events will subsequently be held in other schools within the pilot project area.

During the event, participants were introduced to the EPR model and the mechanisms of separate waste collection at the community level. The importance of teaching children proper waste management from a young age was particularly emphasized. This is because young people are the quickest to adopt new practices and are agents of change in society. Global experience shows that children have a unique ability to disseminate knowledge about new approaches to waste management among their families.

Furthermore, participants in the training seminar discussed effective ways of working with children (including games, excursions, and joint projects), opportunities for engaging parents in the initiative, and tools for communication on social media.

UKRPEС installed two types of containers on the premises and inside the lyceum. Yellow containers are for waste that will be transported for recycling (paper, bags, plastic, polyethylene, metal products). Grey containers are for other waste (food scraps, wrappers, used napkins, cups, etc.). The areas around the containers inside the buildings feature thematic “Eco-Corners” with additional informational materials.

To support their work with students, pedagogical staff received special methodological materials (manuals), as well as videos and other useful digital information about the project. Subsequently, lessons on waste management will be held in each class of the lyceum.

UKRPEC is open to cooperation and invites other educational institutions in the Bucha, Irpin, Kotsiubynske, and Vyshhorod communities to join this collaborative effort. We are ready to conduct similar training sessions in every school and to initiate new, relevant projects jointly with the staff and administration of the institutions. Currently, an agreement has been reached to hold the next training session in one of the schools in Irpin.

We thank the communication agency “Radnyk” for their assistance in organizing the event.