Oasis academy

Sheppey school strive for sustainability

Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey is an inclusive academy spread across two sites in Kent. Responsible for educating around 2,500 children between the ages of 11 to 19, Oasis Academy became increasingly aware of the expenditure of waste costs. With a total of 109.76 tonnes of waste going to landfill per year, the weight of not achieving zero waste to landfill was hindering the environmental performance of the academies, preventing them from accomplishing environmental compliances. After speaking to ACM Environmental PLC, it became apparent that there were multiple recyclable waste streams on site but there were no facilities on site for them to be recycled. Based on this and the environmental potential they had, ACM were able to offer a unique solution moulded around Oasis Academy.

Clear communication on waste separation

With their original waste contractor, Oasis Academy were restricted in their recycling capabilities since they only had general waste bins taking all their waste to landfill. By implementing different waste streams on site, such as dry mixed recycling, cardboard and food waste, Oasis Academy are able to separate their recyclable materials and send them to the right disposal points.
In order to ensure all waste is separated, ACM supplied 60 new (internal) and 100 (external) bins, which are clearly labelled and branded in accordance to WRAP brand guidelines. This was rolled out at both sites alongside hands-on training workshops to teaching staff as well as pupils at both schools. With consistent messaging on how the waste should be separated, we can reduce the chances of ending the recycling life span of a material too early. Waste compaction equipment has been brought into both sites to help clear the site, encourage site cleanliness and prevent waste from attracting vermin.

“We will equip our young people with an awareness for an eco-friendlier future”

Based on the environment and atmosphere at the school, ACM took an engaging approach with the pupils in educating them on waste through a recycling roadshow. A fun and engaging Oasis branded video was developed, explaining the initiative was shown to pupils and staff and a number of activities took place during the day to encourage the correct use of the bins. This video is shown throughout the schools to encourage and educate visitors on the waste process.

Speaking of the Roadshow, ACM Environmental’s Finance & Operations Director, Travis Way, said, “We are delighted to be working closely with the staff and pupils at Oasis Academy as they become environmental champions. It was great to see everyone enjoying the Roadshow and embracing the new waste segregation methods. We are looking forward to working with more children at other Oasis sites across the UK.”

Principal of Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey, Tina Lee, said “Oasis Academy Isle of Sheppey is committed to improving the environment for our young people and the community in which we live. As educators, we have a responsibility to make our young people aware of the impact our daily waste has on our planet. We are really pleased that ACM will help us to deliver this message and provide us with the tools to enable us to improve our recycling and regeneration. The students and staff at the academy will support the recycling scheme and are looking forward to a partnership in the year ahead. It is pleasing that many students already make good use of the mixed recycling bins we have so far been provided. We will continue to improve our knowledge and understanding further to reduce our waste and build a cleaner academy environment. In doing so, we will equip our young people with an awareness for an eco-friendlier future.”

Since Oasis Academy partnered up with ACM in September 2018, we have managed to achieve 100% diversion rate from landfill, as well as achieve 48% recycling rate within 3 months. With the new segregation initiative, we will see the school achieve a whopping 85% recycling rate by 2021. ACM Environmental has worked with a great many schools over the years and it is always a delight to see the enthusiasm youngsters have for embracing environmental initiatives both at school and in their homes.