A RECYCLING project was so successful that youngsters managed to cut the amount of waste that a Wisbech primary school produced by more than 50 per cent. Around 5,000 pupils from 19 primary schools around Cambridgeshire and Peterborough took part in eight

A RECYCLING project was so successful that youngsters managed to cut the amount of waste that a Wisbech primary school produced by more than 50 per cent.

Around 5,000 pupils from 19 primary schools around Cambridgeshire and Peterborough took part in eight-week "Happy Bin Project."

This was organised by local councils, the Waterbeach-based waste management company Donarbon and the Green Egg Company.

A puppet show toured schools in October and lessons were given on recycling.

Each week pupils weighed the amount of waste their school put out for recycling and for disposal, up to early December.

On average, the 19 schools reduced their waste by 35 per cent, but Elm Road Primary School, Wisbech reduced by more than 50 per cent.

Michele Spratt, waste reduction and recycling officer for Fenland District Council, said: "We will be using what we have learnt from this project to encourage our residents to do what our school children have done and reduce their waste.