HUNDREDS of primary school children in B&NES are getting a headstart on good recycling habits with interactive sessions.

For the third year running, local schools have been invited to take part in the sessions in a bid to help children learn more about repairing, reusing and recycling electronics.

The sessions have involved more than 430 primary school children across B&NES including Trinity Church of England School in Radstock, Welton Primary School in Midsomer Norton, Cameley Primary School, St Julian’s Church School in Wellow and Paulton Junior School.

The workshops have run over the past few months in partnership with Sustainable Hive and their award-winning approach to tackling e-waste, the Re-Fuse project.

Their aim is to encourage good recycling habits at an early age and help children understand the impact of electronic waste on the environment.

Six of the workshops took place at the council’s award-winning Keynsham Recycling Hub, which also gave children the opportunity to see state-of-the-art recycling processes in action.

The workshops were funded by Valpak, a waste management and recycling organisation that works with the council to collect and recycle electrical and electronic equipment. All primary schools in B&NES were offered an opportunity to take part.

Deputy leader and cabinet member for resources, Cllr Mark Elliott, said: “These were fun and engaging activities that gave children first-hand experience of what recycling really involves, while helping them understand why it matters.

“I hope the workshops will help build positive habits that last a lifetime. These events are part of our wider efforts to reduce waste, so it’s fantastic to see so many pupils become enthusiastic about making a difference.”

A spokesperson for Newbridge Primary School said: “The activities really engaged the children. A really formative and engaging workshop.”