18,537 Plastic Bottles Recycled – Update: An Additional 65 kg and 6,504 Bottles Added to the Tally

Editorial Board
Mar 8
3 min read

Updated: Apr 30

Riverside Academy is proud to announce a significant update on our Plastic Bottle Recycling Project, a key initiative under our Edify Community Transformation Project. As of Tuesday, 4th March 2025, we have successfully collected and recycled an additional 6,504 plastic bottles and 65 kilograms of plastic. This brings our grand total to an impressive 18,537 plastic bottles and 185 kilograms of PET plastic recycled! An the third load dispatched.

This achievement is not just a number—it is a testament to the power of community action. The recycling efforts are part of a larger goal to hit 1 tonne of plastic recycled, and with each collection, we are steadily moving closer to this target. We are excited to see our whole-school community, as well as our local neighbours, coming together to take responsibility for the environment.

A Whole-School Effort

What makes this project truly special is the whole-school approach we’ve adopted. It’s not just the students who are actively involved, but also our dedicated teachers, parents, and even members of the local community. Everyone has had a part to play—from collecting the bottles, to sorting, to ensuring they are properly prepared for recycling. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of teamwork in driving positive change.

The energy around this project has been infectious, and it has sparked a deep sense of responsibility for the environment in all those involved. Students have been passionate about reducing plastic waste and learning about sustainability. Teachers have integrated the project into lessons, showing students the impact of their efforts and inspiring them to think critically about the future of our planet. Parents have supported the initiative by encouraging their children to participate, and even neighbours have joined in the effort by donating plastic bottles.

The Role of RecycleMe

We are also extremely grateful for our partnership with RecycleMe, our plastic recycling company, who play a vital role in ensuring that all collected plastic is properly recycled. RecycleMe helps us track the progress of our initiative, ensuring the plastics are repurposed into practical products like plastic chairs, dustbins, and gallons. By collaborating with RecycleMe, we can confidently say that every bottle we collect is contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Looking Ahead: The Road to 1 Tonne

The target for this project is to recycle 1 tonne of plastic, and with each collection, we are moving closer to that goal. Our efforts are not just about meeting a target but about changing mindsets and inspiring action. We hope this project serves as a model for other schools and communities to adopt similar environmental initiatives.

We also plan to continue expanding our recycling efforts. Future collections will focus on raising even more awareness about the environmental impact of plastic waste and how everyone can make a difference. By continuing to involve the whole school community, we can build a lasting legacy of environmental responsibility.

A Sustainable Future Together

At Riverside Academy, we believe in the importance of being good stewards of the environment. We are guided by the scripture “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” – Psalm 24:1, which reminds us of our duty to care for the world around us. We are committed to sustainability and to making a positive impact on the environment for the generations to come.

This recycling initiative is just the beginning. We will continue to work together, pushing forward to create a lasting impact, one bottle at a time. Together, we are making a difference!