School children are introduced to Capitan Eco the recycling pirate and each is given a booklet packed with comics, recycling facts, quizzes and games to get acquainted with the subject matter. All primary schools in our town take part in the Capitan Eco competition. Each class receives a money box and the individual children have to bring the eco-money they will earn by taking bags of recyclable rubbish to the eco centre. One bag of plastic containers is worth one eco-note, just like a bag of glass bottles or paper, while large items such as old fridges and electrical waste are worth as much as 10 eco-notes. At the end of the competition the class with the most eco money wins a prise.

What a great way to get children involved in recycling at an early age in the way they know best through rewarded play.