Paper recycling in schools gets a helping hand

16 June 2008

Local schools will receive free paper recycling bins this week thanks to a continued investment by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

The scheme was set up in 2006 with the aim of encouraging schools to recycle high grade waste paper. Every school that wished to participate in the scheme received free paper recycling bins courtesy of the scheme sponsor, PricewaterhouseCoopers, but after two years many of the schools have asked if more bins could be provided.

The bins have been sourced by Sigma Group and they are supporting the scheme by providing free delivery to all the schools that have requested new recycling bins.

Andrew Humphries, Sales Director of the Sigma Group said “We are absolutely delighted to have been able to support this excellent scheme, as a company we are committed to providing recycling opportunities wherever possible, and it’s terrific that island schools are showing the way that many more Jersey organisations should be going.”

The high grade waste paper is collected for recycling by Reclamait Waste Management Group – the company responsible for exporting paper, cardboard and plastic bottles from the island for recycling. The high grade paper is shipped to England where it is transported to a paper mill and the paper fibres recovered to create recycled paper, often for use in the newspaper industry.

Emma Richardson, Assistant Recycling Officer said “The paper recycling scheme in schools continues to be a real success. It significantly contributes to the volume of paper the island exports for recycling each year and plays a key role in educating school children by making recycling part of their daily routine.’

At the same time, staff at PricewaterhouseCoopers are also making an effort to reduce their paper consumption and recycle more. Shortly after the launch of the schools paper scheme in 2006, the firm took the bold step of removing all desk bins and installing waste separation stations around the office. Whilst the firm had recycled its office paper for some time, the move has increased the proportion of paper it recycles from 85% to 100%, with 25% of all other waste now being recycled too.

Reinforcing the ‘reduce and reuse’ message, the firm also launched the 'Bags for Trees' scheme last year with the Mange Tout sandwich chain, resulting in over 2,500 bags being returned by PwC for reuse during 2007. In addition, this winter all client reports were printed on double-sided paper for the first time, making a significant reduction to the usual high volume of paper used during the busy audit season.

Brendan McMahon, Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, commented: ‘We are proud to be involved in the schools paper recycling project. As a firm, we are making good progress in our own approach to waste management and it is great to be on this journey along with schools in Jersey. There is still a lot to be done, but each step brings us closer to achieving the carbon neutral status our UK firm has attained.’

Any school wishing to join the scheme or order replacement paper recycling bins should contact Emma Richardson, Assistant Recycling Officer, telephone 448589 or email e.richardson@gov.je.