“Waste separation works” initiative: Educational programmes for schools and daycare centres

“Waste separation works” is an initiative of the dual systems in Germany. Together, they provide information on how to separate waste correctly. Their goal is to encourage as many people as possible so that more packaging is recycled – to protect the climate and resources.

The educational work of the “Waste separation works” initiative begins in kindergartens and schools, where it aims to raise children’s awareness of the issue and get them excited about it, teaching them how they can make an active contribution to protecting the environment by separating their waste correctly.

To achieve this, the “Waste separation works” initiative provides playing, learning and teaching materials free of charge:


TRENN-BÄR concept: play-based learning

The educational programmes for kindergartens and primary schools are centred around the TRENN-BÄR – the cheerful polar bear who is the hero of the “Waste separation works” initiative. In a playful way, the bear teaches children about waste separation and recycling. The TRENN-BÄR box for kindergartens contains, for example, a TRENN-BÄR hand puppet as well as exercises and worksheets suitable for children. The TRENN-BÄR magazine and other teaching materials are also available for primary school pupils.


Materials for secondary school

Lehrer-Online has developed and published comprehensive materials on the topics of waste separation and recycling for use with pupils aged between 11 and 14. The teaching units can be used across all subjects and aim to strengthen pupils’ environmental awareness and decision-making skills.

These resources are accompanied by explanatory films and online games for children and teenagers.


Waste separation as a natural part of everyday school life

Another key focus of the “Waste separation works” initiative is the everyday separation of waste in schools. It provides a guide to help schools introduce or optimise waste separation.