A NORTHWICH nursery has joined forces with a waste management company to help reduce its food waste and teach youngsters about the importance of recycling.

Busy Bees Northwich, in Kingsmead, has been benefitting from a partnership with 1st Waste and its specialist supplier Keenan Recycling.

Due to the unpredictable eating habits of youngsters, food waste in nursery schools can often be inevitable.

So Busy Bees asked its partners to develop a strategy which showcases how food waste is being reduced and how it is being treated as sustainably as possible.

This strategy also included recognition that some degree of waste is an inherent challenge in ensuring all children can access a balanced diet.

'Reducing food waste, one colourful bin at a time' became the mantra at the Northwich nursery.

Hollie Pomfret, who led the project at the nursery, said: "We adopted a step-by-step process, and now our children are actively participating in recycling efforts.

"This not only helps us manage our waste but also instils a strong awareness of the environmental impact of waste from a young age."

The collaboration between Busy Bees, 1st Waste, and Keenan Recycling reduces landfill waste and delivers three significant benefits:

  • Renewable energy: Food waste is converted into electricity sufficient to power numerous homes.
  • Environmental education: Children actively participate in sustainable practices.
  • Community impact: Busy Bees fosters a culture of environmental responsibility in the local communities they operate in.

The team initially faced challenges with food waste management, but through a carefully considered approach, they turned the situation around. 

Hollie added: "We spoke to the children about how we might turn leftover food into new food and displayed their pictures on the bins.

"The children loved asking questions about what waste goes where. It was heartening to see their engagement, with comments like 'it’s going to make us new food'."

Gemma Roberts, 1st Waste’s commercial director, added: "Educating the children on how food waste becomes new energy gives the children an insight into recycling that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.

"It’s pleasing to be part of a project that fosters environmental responsibility in children’s formative years."

Claire Keenan, collections director at Keenan Recycling, said: "We're incredibly proud of the growth and success of our food waste collection service in Cheshire, especially in the education sector.

"Our partnership with Busy Bees Nurseries has been instrumental in diverting food waste from landfills and promoting sustainability in early childhood education.

"By providing innovative solutions and working closely with schools and nurseries, we're able to make a significant impact on the environment and inspire the next generation of environmental champions.

"This partnership is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and our ability to deliver exceptional service to our clients."