Schools win awards for giving waste items new life

Primary school students across the High Peak have been recognised for their creativity, innovation and commitment to the environment in the first ever Upcycling Challenge - a competition which challenged them to turn everyday waste into imaginative, useful or decorative new items.

Run by Alliance Environmental Services(AES), with support from High Peak Borough Council and sponsored by Biffa Waste Services, the competition invited young inventors, artists and problem-solvers to rethink waste and show how simple items destined for the bin can be transformed.

After a fantastic response, and dozens of entries, the winners have now been chosen and congratulations go to:

• St Andrew's C of E School in Glossop which took first prize for Dexter's Wave Tree - a tree made from plastic and rubber and covered with plastic eating fungi and moss leaving just a tower of plants
• Whitfield St James' CE (VC) Primary School - Astrid's Pop Up alien prototype toy took second prize made from waste card board and a pneumatic mechanism
• Simmondley Primary School's group entry took third prize for all their inventive drawings including designs for waste sorters, vehicles, chairs, pet toys and more

Councillor Jean Todd, Executive Councillor for Climate Change and Environment, said: "We've been truly amazed by the thought, care and creativity shown by all the young people who took part.

"The Upcycling Challenge proves that students are more than ready to lead the way when it comes to sustainability. Their work gives us all hope for a greener future."

The winning schools will receive eco-related items of their choice to the value of £250 for the first prize, £150 for coming second, and £100 for third place.

The judging panel assessed the entries on creativity, practicality and environmental impact. Submissions included labelled drawings, models, and working prototypes - all focused on giving waste a new purpose.

The competition was made possible thanks to funding from Biffa Waste Services who handle the High Peak's recycling collections and AES who coordinated the challenge and the judging process.

AES can offer recycling talks to schools and community groups across the High Peak. If you're interested please email Engagement@allianceenvironmental.co.uk

Published on 22 May 2025