For Schools
Thanks to the thousands of schools across the country who have taken part in The Big Plastic Count!
ACCESS YOUR DASHBOARD
Registration is now closed for The Big Plastic Count! If you've already signed-up, you can still access your dashboard with all the information and resources you need to take part and to teach your pupils about the plastic waste crisis.
SUBMIT YOUR RESULTS
With a personalised link for each class, which you will find on your dashboard your class can easily submit their results themselves online, or you can do it together at school. Data submitted after 31 March won't be included in the national analysis, but pupils can still enter their data and receive the footprints. Submissions close on 15 April.
GET YOUR CLASS FOOTPRINT
See how much plastic you collectively used and what happens to it! You’ll get a certificate and tips for how you and your class can use your results to make a difference.
THE UK'S BIGGEST PLASTIC INVESTIGATION
108,680
people and you!
The investigation will reveal how much plastic we are throwing away in the UK, and find out what really happens to it afterwards. We'll use the results to convince UK ministers to lead the way at the global talks that could finally phase out plastic pollution for good.
Young people have the power to make a real difference and help shape the future of the planet. That's why we want to get as many schools to take part as possible.
Want to know how to take part? Watch our video
HEAR FROM TEACHERS WHO TOOK PART IN THE BIG PLASTIC COUNT IN 2022
"The Big Plastic Count highlights the national and world plastic problem, inspiring schools to take decisive action using their fantastic resources to embed into the children's learning. It has taught every child and adult at our school that however big or small everyone can do their bit to make an impact on our world. This is why we will be taking part again in The Big Plastic Count!" Edd Moore, Damers First School
"The Big Plastic Count 2022 was the start of a very exciting journey for our school! We can’t wait to refuel our participation in such a great cause by taking part in March 2024, with a fresh new cohort of new, more environmentally aware modern minds." Rebecca Razzaque, Kenmore Park Junior School
"Our year 8 class really enjoyed The Big Plastic Count. There is something quite powerful about having to count your week’s plastic waste and consider what happens to it next. A well set up campaign that is easy to run and fits in well with our lessons. We will definitely take part again." Bernadette Wiley, Cleeve School
TEACHING RESOURCE PACK
Registered teachers can find everything you need on your dashboard. This includes:
Resources to get started: a simple teacher’s guide, a PowerPoint presentation for lessons or assemblies, classroom activities and template letters to staff and parents.
Resources to help you and your class count at home: a ‘How-To’ explainer video, printable tally sheet to make counting really easy, and a Plastic ID Tool on our website to help you and your class categorise your plastic.
Plastic footprint action toolkit: you can generate your plastic footprint as individuals, a class and for the whole school. There is a downloadable certificate for taking part, a guide on how to become a Plastic Clever School, and a guide to hosting an Unwrapped event to share the results and celebrate your participation.
THE BIG PLASTIC COUNT'S YOUTH EMPOWERMENT DAY
In April, we’ll be bringing pupils together to share their findings and persuade those in power to support the Global Plastics Treaty.
The Big Plastic Count's Youth Empowerment Day is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Sign up to take part in The Big Plastic Count with your class and register your interest in being a part of this exciting and empowering day of action.