By Carol Fung

Turning recycling into fundraising

At a primary school in Sydney, recycling isn’t just about doing the right thing for the environment—it’s also a clever way to raise funds for the school. Vanda, the president of the school’s P&C Association, shares how they’ve turned the simple act of recycling into a powerful tool for financial support and sustainability education.

“Our first pickup was over 3,000 bottles and cans,” Vanda recalls. “Since then, we schedule a pickup every 2 or 3 months, collecting between 1,500 to 2,000 containers each time. So far, we’ve recycled over 10,000 containers (in less than a year), which is an incredible environmental savings of 650 kg of material diverted from landfill. Plus, we’ve raised over $1,000 for the school!”

A community effort

The school’s recycling efforts extend beyond its gates. Parents of students contribute by recycling at home and work, bringing their bottles and cans to the school to support fundraising efforts. This collective approach, especially parents organising recycling at their workplaces, has significantly boosted fundraising which has allowed the school to invest in better resources for the students.

Where the funds go

The funds raised have already been put to great use—last year, they bought a 3D printer, and this year, they’re working towards a laptop bank. It’s not just about the money, though. Vanda emphasises that the educational value of recycling is just as important.

Teaching kids about sustainability

“It’s an educational way to show what you can do for the environment,” Vanda explains. “While the financial reward is a bonus, I believe recycling is something we need to teach our children.”

By involving students in the recycling process, and with the added support from parents who collect 10¢ containers at home and work to donate to the school, the initiative is helping to instill important values about sustainability (viewing material not as waste, but as a resource) and environmental stewardship. These lessons go beyond the classroom, encouraging kids to form better consumption and recycling habits that will last a lifetime.

Envirobank’s game-changing 100% Clean Recycling Pickup Service

Envirobank’s 100% Clean Recycling Pickup Service has made it easier for the school and its community to manage and coordinate their recycling efforts. This service ensures that all 10¢ refundable bottles and cans are properly recycled, diverting waste from landfills and reducing carbon emissions. It’s also a more efficient way to recycle compared to the yellow kerbside bin, which often leads to contamination and missed opportunities for recycling.

Join the 100% Clean Recycling movement

Recycling with Envirobank isn’t just about doing good for the environment; it’s also a practical way to fundraise. Schools, like the one where Vanda and her son Leo participate, can use this service to teach children about the benefits of recycling—such as landfill waste diversion, reduction in energy, water, and carbon emissions—while helping them form better perspectives on material, consumption and recycling habits.

Whether you’re a teacher, parent, business owner, or community leader, Envirobank’s 100% Clean Recycling Pickup Service offers a simple way to make a big difference. They come directly to you, pick up your containers, and pay you—making it the most efficient way for you to ensure that your recyclables are handled responsibly, while also benefiting from the refunds.

The service is available across Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, Greater Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Sunshine Coast. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get paid to recycle and make a positive impact on your community and the environment.

Sign up for an Envirobank account and book your first pickup today: Envirobank’s Pickup Service.

“While the financial reward is a bonus, I believe recycling is something we need to teach our children.” – Vanda, President of the P&C Association at a Sydney primary school

Sign up for a free account and join our 100% Clean Recycling movement! From your account, you can book a pickup.

By Carol Fung