When you think of school, you might picture classrooms full of students and cupboards overflowing with books, sports kits, and uniforms. But behind the scenes, schools also generate a huge amount of waste, the education sector is thought to produce nearly 700,000 tonnes of waste every year, from lost property and unused stationery to uniforms that no longer fit.
This is where the circular economy comes in.
Currently, many schools operate on a buy, use, and discard basis, which leads to unnecessary waste, higher costs for families, and missed opportunities to teach students about sustainability. By adopting circular economy practices, schools can break this cycle, keeping resources in use longer, reducing environmental impact, and demonstrating practical ways to live sustainably.
What is a circular economy?
A circular economy is about keeping resources in use for as long as possible. It focuses on reusing, repairing, and recycling so that products have a longer life.
For schools, this means moving away from a cycle of buying everything new each year and discarding what is left behind, towards a culture of sharing, reusing, and passing items on.
How can schools start creating a circular economy?
Building a circular economy in schools doesn’t have to mean big, complex changes. It’s about finding simple ways to reduce waste and extend the life of the resources you already have. Some actions schools can take include:
- Work with food suppliers to reduce waste – Choose suppliers who follow minimal waste practices and monitor portion sizes in canteens to avoid excess. Primary and secondary schools combined produce 80,382 tonnes of food waste a year (Business Waste), so even small changes in kitchen habits can make a big difference.
- Set up clear recycling systems – With around 80% of school waste being recyclable but only 20% actually recycled (Business Waste), schools have a huge opportunity to improve. By providing well-labelled bins and involving student-led “eco teams”, schools can uphold good recycling habits, monitor contamination, and raise awareness of the positive impact of sustainable practices across the school community.
- Cut down on paper use – Move towards digital alternatives for newsletters, homework, and admin where possible. Many schools use over 1 million sheets of paper per year (Waste Managed), so reducing printing can have both financial and environmental benefits.
- Encourage reuse of uniforms and equipment – Support families to donate outgrown items and make them available to others, reducing the need for new purchases each year.
By starting small, schools can gradually build a system that benefits families, the environment, and the wider community.
Why does it matter in schools?
Supporting families
The cost of uniforms, sportswear, and equipment can quickly add up. By embracing a circular approach, schools can ease the financial burden on families while still ensuring all students have access to good-quality school items.
Reducing waste
From lost property bins to end-of-term clear-outs, schools generate a surprising amount of waste. A circular economy approach ensures fewer items end up in landfill, and more are put back into use.
Teaching children the importance of sustainability
Sustainability isn’t just a topic for the classroom. When students take part in book swaps, repurpose supplies, or donate uniforms, they see circular economy principles come to life, learning responsibility and environmental awareness first hand.
At Uniformd, we encourage schools to:
- Reuse school uniforms
With Uniformd, schools can set up an easy-to-use online shop where families buy and donate preloved school-related items. This helps reduce waste, raise funds, and make school essentials more affordable for everyone.
- Organise lost property waste
Instead of letting cupboards overflow with unclaimed jumpers, books and costumes, schools can use Uniformd to resell or redistribute items, ensuring they stay in circulation for longer.
- Book and supplies swaps
End-of-year book swaps or stationery drives help resources live longer, while encouraging a culture of sharing among students.
Small changes make a big difference
By adopting circular economy practices, schools don’t just cut costs, they become role models for sustainable living. These actions show students that small changes add up, and that caring for the planet can start right where they learn.
At Uniformd, we believe schools have the power to lead the way. By keeping uniforms, books, and other school resources in circulation, schools can build a future that is affordable, sustainable, and community-driven.
