Ysgol Pen Barras pupils get hands-on with the power of recycling

Ysgol Pen Barras pupils were introduced to two new mascots working to help recycling in the community during a special visit.

Denbighshire County Council’s Recycling Education Team brought the subject to life through discussions and hands-on activities designed to build pupils’ knowledge and confidence during a two-day visit to the school.

Pupils learned what happens to recyclable materials after they are collected and shared ideas about how reducing waste can benefit households, local communities and the wider environment.

Recycling mascots Troli-bob and Cadi received a warm welcome by the year groups, helping pupils identify familiar household items and decide which recycling containers they belong in.

There was plenty of teamwork as the children took part in a practical sorting game involving paper, cans, mixed plastics, glass bottles and jars. The activity showed how careful separation keeps valuable materials in use and helps reduce waste.

A highlight of the visit came when pupils met one of the named Waste and Recycling Service vehicles used to collect recyclable materials from homes across Denbighshire.

Enjoying a close-up look at the vehicle, pupils discovered how separate compartments keep materials apart during collection before they are taken to the Waste Transfer Station in Denbigh for processing.

The visit also introduced the Council’s Trolibocs system, which helps separate paper, cans and mixed plastics, and glass bottles and jars at the kerbside. Pupils saw how getting recycling right at home improves the quality of collected materials and supports efforts to cut waste and carbon emissions.

Jonathan Brittain-Hughes, Environmental Crime Manager at Denbighshire County Council, said: “It was wonderful to see the pupils at Ysgol Pen Barras askingl questions, supporting one another and getting involved in every activity. We hope they feel proud of what they learned and take that enthusiasm home, knowing that every item recycled correctly can make a difference.”

Councillor James Elson, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport, said: “Visits like this give pupils a memorable way to see recycling in action. It was fantastic to hear how warmly Ysgol Pen Barras embraced the session, and I hope the pupils will share their new knowledge with family and friends as we work together to recycle more and waste less.”