PRIMARY schools have been rewarded for their commitment to recycling as part of a rewards scheme.

Braintree Council received special funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) in 2015 to deliver a food recycling collection scheme.

It was hoped the scheme would encourage young people to start the recycling habit early in life and become keen recyclers. The funding gave the opportunity to devise a competition offering a choice of prizes to the schools which performed the best.

Teachers could also give clean plate awards to the children who ate everything on their plate.

Councillor Wendy Schmitt, responsible for environment and place, said: “This is a great opportunity to inform and educate the next generation about the importance of recycling and reducing waste, as well as encouraging them to take on good recycling habits, as it will help them build a better future for them and their children.

"We want everyone to rise to the challenge and recycle more and minimize the amount of waste produced as this will continue to make a real difference in helping conserve and protect the environment.”

The super recycling school award went to Powers Hall Infant School in Witham for going the extra mile and taking part in activities such as composting, growing harvest to cook and eat, as well as collecting paper, cardboard and unwanted shoes and clothes.

St John The Baptist Primary School in Pebmarsh was named the best performing school for reducing their refuse the most and increasing their food waste recycling.

Both schools will receive a contribution towards their choice of four prizes - outdoors and play equipment made of recycled materials; plants, seeds and support from the Braintree Council horticultural team to grow their own food; visits to recycling plants; and books for the school library.

All 26 schools that participated will receive £500 and a certificate for their recycling efforts.

For more information on food waste recycling, visit www.braintree.gov.uk/foodrecycling