PUPILS from Green Dragon Primary School in Brentford have joined forces with Hounslow Council to encourage people to reduce, reuse and recycle in order to help protect the environment.

Hounslow Council wanted to tackle the issue as residents living on the Green Dragon Lane Estate were dumping their rubbish instead of recycling.

The Council is encouraging all members of the community to use the recycling bins properly by:

• Not using the bins for business waste.

• Put all materials in the correct bin.

• Don't just leave items beside the bins - it's classed as fly-tipping.

Nadine O'Hara, Headteacher at the Green Dragon Primary School, said: "Green Dragon School is at the heart of the local area and a very special school!

"We place a great deal of emphasis on each member of the school community being socially responsible and helping to make the future bright.

"We are thrilled to see our children's artwork all over the Green Dragon Lane Estate showcasing the talent of our pupils from nursery to Year 6 and reminding everyone to reduce, reuse, recycle and treat the planet with the respect it deserves.

"The children feel very proud."

Cllr Guy Lambert, Cabinet Member for Highways, Recycling and Companies, said: "We are delighted that the children understand the significance of recycling.

"They are our ambassadors and can help inform their parents, carers and friends what should go in the recycling bins.

"Not disposing of household waste correctly blights neighbourhoods, endangers wildlife and impacts on people's pride of place, while damaging our planet.

"It also hits us all in the pocket because disposing of waste cost us over £100 per tonne whilst the council can sell recycling items placed in the recycling bins to the material sales markets.

"Each material achieves a different price.

"For example, £13 per tonne for glass or £1,000 per tonne for aluminium cans and that feeds right back into saving council tax!"

Cllr Melvin Collins, a Brentford ward councillor, said: "This was a really fun and creative way for local children to learn about the challenges facing us and find out how they can get involved in helping to save the environment through recycling.

"Hopefully, they will take inspiration from this event and encourage their fellow pupils, residents and their families to also do their bit."

Cllr Corinna Smart, fellow Brentford ward councillor, added: "In West London over 350,000 tonnes of rubbish was thrown away last year.

"Between April 2020 and March 2021, we cleared 56,959 bags of rubbish from our streets in Hounslow.

"Recycling preserves precious natural resources and saves energy.

"It was really great to see such amazing support from children at the Green Dragon Primary School and we hope it encourages local people to take action."