North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has reopened applications for its free In The Know education programme, which has helped north London schools reduce their waste by 45%.
In The Know – which over the past two years has already worked with nearly 7,000 students in 21 schools – sees waste officers visit north London schools to deliver a specialised programme for both pupils and teachers. Aimed at embedding waste reduction behaviours, features of the programme include in-school assemblies and student sessions, better waste infrastructure for the school, specialised waste measurement and insights, and improved internal communications on waste and recycling.
Waste audits in participating schools have shown that since its inception, In The Know has helped the schools reduce their waste by 45%. With more waste-reduction behaviours and a culture of sustainability now embedded at the schools, these waste savings will continue long after the programme has finished. NLWA estimates that In The Know will save the schools collectively 124 tonnes of waste annually.
Now open for applications for 2026-27, In The Know will welcome a further 14 schools to the programme next year. Previous participating schools have praised In The Know for its teacher-led design and focus on student participation. Sophie Ooi, a teacher from Parkside Primary School in Waltham Forest, said: “The In The Know project has really helped us begin to become more sustainable as a school. Both children and staff have become more conscious of waste and the powerful impact that small changes can have on our environment. The project has been incredibly engaging for the children, sparking curiosity and encouraging responsible habits.”
NLWA Chair Councillor Clyde Loakes highlighted the importance of engaging young people in sustainability, saying: “The results of the In The Know programme speak for themselves: thousands of pupils thinking about sustainability, and hundreds of tonnes of waste prevented at their schools. And it doesn’t stop at the school gate: by teaching kids how they can have a positive environmental impact, we’re helping them form green habits that will last a lifetime. We’re building a culture of sustainability across north London, and young people are a critical part of that.”
Applications for In The Know are open now and close on 2 March 2026. Primary schools in Camden, Barnet, Haringey, Hackney, Islington, Waltham Forest and Enfield are eligible.
To read more information and to apply, schools can visit nlwa.gov.uk/InTheKnow
Students from Ambler Primary School in Islington taking part in a waste audit (measuring and recording their waste) as part of NLWA's In The Know education programme:
