Remote School Recycles 100% of Its Waste for 12 Months Straight

At a remote public school in the Northern Territory, bins are nearly obsolete. For the past year, not a single bag of waste has been sent to landfill — a feat celebrated by students, staff, and sustainability advocates alike.

Located in a small community near Katherine, the 72-student campus has implemented a rigorous recycling and composting system led entirely by students. Each class manages a different aspect of the program, from food waste to e-waste to plastics.

'We started by auditing our trash,' explains Year 6 student Charlie, who serves on the school's 'Green Council.' 'Then we figured out how to reduce what we were throwing away.'

Teachers adapted lesson plans to align with sustainability goals. Math lessons use real recycling data, while science classes explore the composting process. The school garden, nourished by compost, now grows herbs and vegetables used in lunch prep.

The community quickly took notice. Local businesses began donating reusable containers and scrap materials, while parents reported similar efforts spreading to homes. 'Our kids are leading by example,' says principal Deirdre Malone. 'It’s been transformative.'

While small in scale, the school’s achievement highlights what’s possible with commitment and creativity. Environmental organizations have recognized the initiative with awards, and education departments from other regions have reached out to replicate the model.

Staff and students are already eyeing new challenges. Next up? A rainwater collection system and a plan to reduce the school's energy use through solar power and student-led energy audits.