In a time when councils across the UK are under increasing pressure to deliver real progress on waste reduction and climate targets, Surrey’s Rethink Waste programme is delivering results. Since launching in partnership with Greenredeem, the programme has helped reduce residual waste by 5.1%, and is on track to sign up 5% of all Surrey households onto the Rethink Waste platform by the end of 2025.
So, what’s the secret? A smart combination of digital engagement, community recognition, and a school-led model that’s inspiring households to make long-term changes throughout generations – one action at a time.
A Modern Solution to the Oldest Challenge
Information alone rarely leads to action being taken. What Surrey’s Environment Partnership recognised early on is that change happens when connections are nurtured – predominantly when people feel personally involved and rewarded. That’s why they teamed up with Greenredeem to deliver a digital-first solution that meets residents where they are: on their phones, in their communities, and through their children’s schools.
Through the Rethink Waste app, residents complete quick, engaging activities such as watching short videos, reading blogs, taking quizzes, submitting their insights or making pledges. Each action earns points that can be redeemed for prizes or donated to local schools taking part in the School Donations Programme.
Importantly, the platform doesn’t just focus on recycling and reducing bin contamination. It covers a wide range of climate-related themes – including sustainable transport, energy use, food and diet, textile upcycling and more— making it a holistic tool for local authorities working toward broader climate goals.
How the School Donations Programme Works In Surrey
One of the most effective parts of the campaign has been its focus on engaging school communities. More than 70 Surrey schools have already taken part, with over £17,000 in funding distributed to support eco-projects such as nature gardens, wildflower green roofs, and new recycling equipment.
Here’s how it works: families earn points through sustainable actions and donate them to their chosen school via a live leaderboard. Schools then compete for a share of funding based on the points collected – creating a powerful, local incentive for ongoing participation.
Teachers have praised the approach:
“It brought our whole community together. We’re using the prize to improve our nature garden.” – Clandon School
“A brilliant way to get families thinking green. The funds will support our new recycling area.” – Esher Church Primary
“The kids loved taking part – it made sustainability fun.”
– Hurst Green Infant School
This model doesn’t just raise environmental awareness – it fosters real behaviour change at a household level and builds intergenerational learning.
Measurable Results and Scalable Impact You Can Adopt
In just three years, the programme has achieved:
- 5.1% reduction in residual waste
- 15,000+ active households
- £17,000 in donations given to Surrey schools
- Positive Community experiences between schools, councillors, and residents alike
What makes this success repeatable for other local authorities is the adaptability of the Greenredeem platform. Councils can localise content, personalise communication based on community insights, and track real-time data to report on the positive changes they’re making.
As Cllr Marisa Heath, Surrey’s Cabinet Member for Environment, puts it:
“The best thing we can do with our waste is to produce as little of it as possible. Rethink Waste is a fun, engaging way to support that goal.”
Inspiration To Take And Take Forward
For local authorities seeking a cost-effective, scalable, and community-powered way to deliver environmental outcomes, Rethink Waste offers a proven blueprint. By linking behaviour change with local causes that matter – especially schools – the programme turns passive awareness into active participation.
At a time when trust in top-down messaging is low and local engagement is key; this is exactly the kind of initiative that builds momentum and delivers impact.
Download the full Rethink Waste Case Study
To see detailed results, community stories, and how your council could benefit from a similar approach.
