Learning about recycling can be both fun and educational for children. Getting involved in engaging activities can help them understand the importance of recycling and its positive impact on the environment. Here are some ideas for interactive games and projects to keep your kids entertained:
Sorting game
Prepare bins or boxes labelled with different recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, glass and metal. Provide a range of relevant items and ask the children to sort them into the appropriate bins. This activity helps kids learn about different materials and their recyclability.
Art projects
Encourage creativity by providing a variety of recycled materials like cardboard, egg cartons, bottles and newspaper. Children can use these items to create sculptures, collages or artwork. This activity fosters an appreciation for repurposing items and reducing waste.
Upcycling crafts
Teach kids about upcycling by showing them how to turn old items into something new and useful. Empty glass jars can be turned into pencil holders, for example, or plastic bottles can be used to create bird feeders or watering cans. You can find lots of craft recycling ideas on Pinterest.
Relay race and/or treasure hunt
Other fun recycling activities for kids include a relay race or a treasure hunt. The idea is that they have to pick up or search for recyclable items at home or in a designated area, one at a time, and place them into the correct recycling bins. It’s a fun way to reinforce recycling habits. Once everything has been collected, you could also discuss how these items can be repurposed or recycled.
Story time
Another positive way to engage kids is by reading books or telling stories about recycling and its impact on the environment. Some great options include ‘Michael Recycle’ by Ellie Bethel and ‘The Adventures of a Plastic Bottle: A Story about Recycling’ by Alison Inches.
DIY recycling bins
Kids love to personalise things or adapt them to fit their favourite theme. Encourage them to decorate and personalise their own recycling bins using stickers, paint or markers. This will make recycling a more interactive and fun activity.
Quiz or trivia
Create a recycling quiz for kids with multiple-choice questions or fun trivia to test their knowledge about recycling. Offering small rewards for the correct answers is a great way to keep them engaged.
Recycling pledge
Ask the kids to create their own recycling pledge where they commit to recycling, reducing waste and caring for the environment. Display their pledges in a visible place as a reminder.
We’d love to hear about your recycling activities for kids, so please share your photos or videos with us! You can tag us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn or send them via direct message and we can post them – we look forward to hearing from you!