The Rules of Waste

Lesson Plan

Learning Objective: to prioritise different solutions to the problem of waste

National Curriculum subject: Citizenship, Geography, Science

Resources

o Copies of ‘The rules of waste’ worksheet

o Large sheet of paper per group and coloured pens

Approximate length of session

½ hour

Activity/Activities

o In pairs or groups, pupils consider the options for what to do with an item of waste. They prioritise them and feedback their decision to the rest of the class.

WORK SHEET: The Rules of Waste

What can we do to alleviate the problem of waste?

Below is a series of options.

Prioritise the list showing the most preferable option first, through to the last resort.

REUSE THE ITEM OF WASTE

SEND THE ITEM OF WASTE TO A LANDFILL SITE

REDUCE OUR OVERALL CONSUMPTION SO THAT LESS UNECESSARY WASTE IS CREATED

RECYCLE THE ITEM OF WASTE

PURCHASE ITEMS CAREFULLY- E.G. BUY SECOND HAND ITEMS OR ITEMS MADE FROM RECYCLED MATERIALS

RECOVER THE ENERGY- E.G. WASTE BURNT IN AN INCINERATOR WILL PRODUCE ENERGY AND REDUCE RELIANCE ON FOSSIL FUELS LIKE OIL

Worksheet Explained

The Rules of Waste answers

1. Reduce consumption so less unnecessary waste is created

2. Purchase items carefully- e.g. buy second hand/ recycled items

3. Reuse the item of waste

4. Recycle the item of waste

5. Recover the energy- e.g. waste burnt in an incinerator

6. Send the item of waste to landfill

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