CLASSROOMS at Churchfields School are twice as green as they used to be.

As part of a drive to become a more environmentally friendly school, students at Churchfields have begun a whole-school recycling programme.

All classrooms and communal areas now include at least one recycling bin which can be used for plastic, cans and paper.

Angela Percival, head of specialism and co-ordinator for the project said: “The idea for this project came from the students themselves. Before we started Churchfields school was recycling 30 per cent of its waste.

“Already that has gone up to 65 per cent. The aim is to be recycling 75 per cent by 2013. As well as paper, plastic and cans, we also recycle all of our printer cartridges and old text and exercise books.”

The bins replace the existing recycling bins which were for paper only.

“What a wonderful start to the new year to know that the school has doubled its amount of recycled waste, the more so knowing that the inspiration and commitment for the programme has come from the students themselves,” she said.

The scheme has been set up in partnership with Biffa waste management, who have provided extra skips to cope with the additional recycling.

Year 10 pupil, Hannah Allmark, said: “I have been using them in lessons for scraps of work. It’s a way of getting the whole school involved in helping the environment. It’s good that we’re doing this.”

Her friend, Sarah Morris, said: “It’s good that plastic doesn’t just get wasted now, it gets recycled. Recycling is important to me.”

Lauren Painter, who is also in year 10, added: “It gives us a cleaner school and helps the environment with climate change. It is good to know we are doing our bit.”