Rubbish Rebels - free waste education resource for schools

Rubbish Rebels

The Waste Reduction team at Recycle For Cumbria have an exciting free resource for schools called Rubbish Rebels. This is a programme of six lessons, complete with interactive resources, focusing on waste reduction and recycling in Cumbria. It is aimed at key stage 2 pupils. You can pick and choose which sections you would like to do but we would always recommend lesson 1 as it gives the best insight into what happens to waste in Cumbria.

If you are really keen, there are also Bronze, Silver and Gold awards that the school can achieve. If at least one class in the school completes all six Rubbish Rebels lessons, they can apply for a Bronze Award and receive a certificate to display in school. Further involvement and additional activity by the rest of the school and parents unlocks the Silver and Gold Awards. There is no time limit for you to complete so you can take things at your own pace. Once we give you access to the resources, you are free to use and reuse as you wish.

Each of the six lessons explores a different topic:

  1. Where does our waste go
  2. Sharing and swapping
  3. Freegle and reuse
  4. Upcycling
  5. Food waste
  6. Composting

For each lesson, there is

  • A teacher overview which summarises the lesson
  • A lesson plan with more detail to help prepare and deliver the session
  • A video that introduces the lesson topic (to be shown at the start of the lesson)
  • Resources needed for each lesson such as powerpoint slides, activity sheets and instructions for each activity.

There is also a Rubbish Rebels Action Pack, which is the workbook for the initial/lead class taking part. Each pupil in the lead class will need a copy - we will be able to let you have an initial supply but you can then print off as many as you need for future use from the linked resources.

If you think you might be interested please get in touch via email to judith.bradshaw@cumbria.gov.uk or by phone on 07768 724863. I would be delighted to let you have a sample lesson plan, teacher overview and general info on how to use Rubbish Rebels before you decide if you wish to take part. Once you have access to the online resources, you will have them to use any time you wish.

We think we have created a fab, interactive and exciting way of getting waste issues across to children and we hope you will sign up and take part.


If you have a question about resources or recycling please call one of the following numbers
Cumberland Council: 0300 373 3730
Westmorland & Furness Council: 0300 373 3300
Cookie information