Learning resources

Talking Rubbish

What is Talking Rubbish?

Talking Rubbish is an education programme designed to help children and young people living in Hull understand the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling waste. Using fun characters, videos, and interactive activities, it brings to life what happens to our rubbish, why it matters, and how we can all make a difference.

What do the lesson resources offer?

The Talking Rubbish lesson plans are free classroom resources for Key Stages 1 to 4 (ages 5 to 16). They cover topics such as -

  • What waste is and where it goes
  • Recycling and how to avoid contamination
  • Composting and organic waste
  • The impact of littering on wildlife and the environment
  • The wider environmental effects of waste and pollution

Each lesson includes engaging activities like waste-sorting challenges, creative poster-making, waste audits, and even upcycling projects. The resources are flexible for teachers to adapt and are designed to inspire pupils to take positive action at home, at school, and in their communities.

Watch our short visual guides and learn how to dispose of different types of waste correctly. 

Check out our fun and creative ideas for ways to reuse materials and make them into something new. 

Access, download and share our educational materials with your local community.

Schools

Lesson plans for students aged 5 to 11 years old. All plans feature objectives, lesson outlines, conclusions and reflections to get the most out of the material.

Lesson plans for students aged 11 to 16 years old. All plans feature objectives, lesson outlines, conclusions and reflections to get the most out of the material.