More than 13,000 children in Croydon have learned how to dispose of waste in an environmentally safe way over the past year through an education and outreach scheme.

Croydon Council’s project has visited schools across the borough delivering dozens of assemblies to primary school pupils.

A short education session was also delivered to a class of pre-schoolers to help some of the youngest residents learn the importance of recycling properly.

Council staff visited Norwood Grove Pre-School on Thursday, February 14, and spoke to the children about recycling and minimising waste. At the end of the visit each child was given a reusable plastic water bottle.

Joan Runcorn, principal at Norwood Grove Pre-School said: “We’ve been working hard with the children to teach them the importance of recycling. They are the next generation and it is so importance to get it right.

“They really enjoyed the visit from the council and learning more about recycling and reducing waste.”

Councillor Stuart Collins, deputy leader and cabinet member for Clean Grenn Croydon, said: “Recycling properly and minimising waste is everybody’s responsibility.

“Children like those at Norwood Grove Pre-School represent our future and I am very impressed at how knowledgeable and passionate these children are.”

Across Croydon 13,425 children at more than 37 different schools have learnt about recycling more and minimising landfill waste since March 2018.