Pupils from Clifton Primary School recently joined Hull City Council’s recycling officers to ‘Recycle Me a City’, a hands-on session designed to raise awareness about waste, recycling, and environmental responsibility.
Held earlier this month, the session began with an engaging presentation from the council’s recycling officers.
The presentation introduced the pupils to the impact of littering, the importance of recycling, and how everyday choices – like using reusable water bottles or sorting waste correctly – can help combat climate change.
Inspired by what they learned, the children then collaborated to build a cityscape entirely from recyclable materials such as cardboard, plastic and food packaging.
Using these materials the pupils used their imagination to create structures such as buildings, bridges, and even a wind turbine!
During the session the children expressed an ability to problem-solve collaboratively and explore practical ways the school could reduce its environmental impact, such as setting up clearer recycling stations, running awareness campaigns for their peers, and encouraging families to adopt similar habits at home.
Explaining what was learnt from the session, year six pupil Victoria said: “I have learnt that we need to recycle and look after our planet better.
“When you recycle your plastics and carboard they can be made into something new. If you have no creativity, just put them in the blue bin and don’t litter. It is very important [to recycle], so remember to do it.”
Year three pupil Mahnaz added: “Recycling helps our planet. If you don’t recycle and you litter some animals in our nature might get stuck.
“We don’t want our earth to be full of litter. Please recycle and help your earth live.”
Mrs Walker, personal development lead and year four teacher at Clifton Primary School said: “Our Children’s Leadership Team took part in a project focused on recycling and sustainability which links perfectly to Clifton’s Climate Goal. The children engaged thoughtfully with the topic, discussing the importance of reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling correctly within both the school and their wider community.
“The project provided the children with not only knowledge about recycling but also essential life skills – teamwork, communication, and responsibility. Their enthusiasm showed me that they are beginning to see themselves as changemakers, capable of influencing others and leading initiatives with real impact.
“By empowering our children to lead these projects now, we are embedding lifelong habits and values that will help us reach our target. It was inspiring to see the next generation of leaders taking ownership of such an important issue.”
The session is part of Hull City Council’s wider Love Your Street and Love Your Neighbourhood campaigns, which aim to promote cleaner, greener neighbourhoods by engaging residents of all ages in environmental stewardship.
Councillor Charles Quinn, cabinet portfolio holder for environment, said: “It is amazing and inspiring to see pupils from Clifton Primary School engage in such an important topic.
“By providing these sessions, the team are instilling a lasting sense of environmental responsibility. It’s wonderful to see the team working with local schools and empowering children to keep their area clean and tidy.”
For more information, visit Love your neighbourhood | Love your street | Hull. Alternatively, email loveyourstreetproject@hullcc.gov.uk.
