WasteSorted Schools resources for High Schools
WasteSorted Schools supports Western Australian high schools to reduce waste, improve recycling outcomes and empower students to take meaningful action. This webpage includes high school specific events, curriculum resources, school stories, reports and tools available to schools.
Events
WasteSorted Schools Student Meet
This is an annual event for high school students to connect, share ideas and learn from other schools. Many students feel empowered to take action in their own schools after attending.
“I loved Kent Street’s idea about a plastic grinder machine, which is able to take your Containers for Change (lids) and turn it into useable plastic, which I think will be very helpful at our school (in) our technology department.” – Emmanuel Catholic College student
“I think the clothes swap was a great idea from Emmanuel (Catholic) College because it gives clothes a second home that were going to be chucked away.” – Duncraig Senior High School student
“We need to look after the world for our future generations, make sure everyone gets a fair go.” - Wesley College student
Check out the Student Meet video below to find out more!
WasteSorted Schools high school workshop
WasteSorted Schools run a professional learning workshop designed to specifically support high school staff with waste and recycling systems and student engagement.
If you are interested in attending any of our other WasteSorted Schools events, please visit: https://www.wastesorted.wa.gov.au/schools/workshops
Inspiration from other WA high schools
High schools across Western Australia are leading the way in waste reduction, with many implementing effective systems that engage students and significantly reduce waste to landfill. These examples showcase just a few of the many schools doing inspiring work in this area.
Please note, some of these projects were undertaken several years ago. While not all are still in action, they contain great ideas that may be useful for your school.
WasteSorted School stories
- Ellenbrook Secondary College – Containers for Change collections
- Emmanuel Catholic College – Recycle hub
- John Curtin College of the Arts – Electric composter
- Lynwood Senior High School – Student Meet and Sustainability Expo
- Northampton District High School – Sustainable chickens and worm farming projects
- St Norbert College – Student leadership
Other examples of high school projects and initiatives
- Carine Senior High School – WasteSorted Award, Schools winner (2024)
- Lesmurdie Senior High School – Sustainability video (2025)
- John Curtin College of the Arts – Thrift shop video (2025)
Please visit the School stories page to explore both primary and high school stories.
Curriculum resources for high schools
Message in a Plastic Bottle
This curriculum guide provides teachers with a set of lesson activities for high schools students focusing on positive actions to reduce single use plastic waste. The guide is broken into units by subject (Science, English, Mathematics and Humanities and Social Sciences) and also provides ideas for cross-curricular collaboration.
Hear from teachers who have implemented this resource below:
Year 12 ATAR Geography: Waste management in Perth
These teacher and student booklets have been developed for the Year 12 Geography ATAR Curriculum. These booklets link to Unit 4 Planning Sustainable Places, depth study one. There are six topics to explore and optional extension activities and sample examination questions.
Containers for Change education guide
https://www.wastesorted.wa.gov.au/schools/teaching-resources/activities/containers-for-change
This resource was developed by Containers for Change with support from WasteSorted Schools. Discover everything you need to know to make Containers for Change an everyday school activity, including top tips for fundraising, how to collect 10-cent containers, integrating in-class learning through curriculum-linked activities and involving your whole school community.
Plastic Free July curriculum guide
This curriculum guide is a set of lessons aimed towards primary classes. It also has a secondary school leadership section aimed to engage high school students in learning about reducing single use plastics.
Other WasteSorted Schools curriculum guides
Some of the WasteSorted Schools curriculum guides are developed for primary schools; however, they are easily adaptable to suit secondary learning contexts and curriculum requirements.
Please visit the WasteSorted Schools curriculum page to explore all curriculum-linked resources.
High school reports
Please visit the Reports and research page to explore all WasteSorted Schools reports.
Other helpful WasteSorted Schools resources
High School Support Officer
Dedicated support is available to high schools for waste systems, infrastructure advice, student engagement and curriculum support.
Name: Hannah Lalor
Email: Hannah.lalor@dwer.wa.gov.au
Phone: 08 6364 7733