By combining hands-on STEM learning with real-world environmental action, the programme empowered students to become sustainability champions in their schools and communities, demonstrating the powerful impact that can be achieved when education and partnership come together. 

Reflecting on the programme’s success, Jen Muranda, CEO of Solutions for the Planet, said: 

“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved together through the E-Waste Race. By working in partnership with ten schools across Kingston, the local authority and a tight knit consortium of delivery partners, we have empowered young people to take practical action on sustainability, engaged whole communities in the circular economy, and demonstrated the power of collaboration to create lasting environmental impact.” 
— Jen Muranda, CEO, Solutions for the Planet 

What Was the E-Waste Race? 

The E-Waste Race was a four-week sustainability initiative involving 10 primary schools and more than 5,000 students, families and community members across Kingston upon Thames. Participants were challenged to collect unwanted electronic devices and electrical items for repair, reuse or recycling while learning about the environmental impact of electronic waste and the importance of a circular economy. 

The project brought together education, community action and practical environmental solutions, transforming what can often feel like a complex sustainability challenge into an engaging and accessible mission for young people. 

As part of the programme, Solutions for the Planet embedded circular economy and sustainability learning into STEM activities, helping students understand the journey of the products they use every day and the role they can play in protecting valuable resources. 

Why Tackling E-Waste Matters 

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. Yet many people remain unaware of the valuable materials contained within old devices or how these products can be reused, repaired and recycled. 

In Kingston alone, analysis highlighted that residents were disposing of an estimated 560 tonnes of e-waste in general refuse each year, while only around 400 tonnes were being recycled, demonstrating a significant opportunity to improve recovery and reuse. 

By helping young people understand the environmental and economic value of electronic materials, the programme encouraged a shift away from the traditional “take, make, use, dispose” model towards a more circular approach that keeps resources in use for longer. 

The Impact: By the Numbers 

The results achieved during just four weeks were remarkable: 

• 10 primary schools took part. 
• 547 students received training on the circular economy and e-waste. 
• More than 5,000 students, parents and community members were engaged. 
• 3,917kg of electronic waste was collected. 
• 732kg was redirected for repair and reuse. 
• 3,185kg was secured for recycling. 

These achievements demonstrate what is possible when schools, families, local authorities and delivery partners come together around a common goal. 

“It’s incredibly inspiring to see how successful our first E-waste Race in the UK worked out. It’s been unprecedented how well the many partners involved came together for this first Race.” 
— Timmy de Vos, CEO and Founder of Race Against Waste 

Building Skills for a Sustainable Future 

For Solutions for the Planet, the success of the E-Waste Race extends far beyond the waste collected. 

The programme provided young people with hands-on opportunities to develop key skills including leadership, teamwork, communication and problem-solving while exploring real-world sustainability challenges. Participants took on active roles coordinating collections, speaking with peers and helping to raise awareness across their communities. 

This approach aligns closely with our mission to equip young people with the confidence and capabilities needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world while contributing positively to society and the environment. 

Importantly, teachers reported that the project’s influence extended beyond the classroom, with students encouraging conversations at home about consumption, repair and recycling. The result was a ripple effect that engaged families and communities in more sustainable behaviours. 

“It was wonderfully rewarding to see the children’s incredible enthusiasm and to witness firsthand during the awards ceremonies how well they remembered everything they learnt about reusing and recycling electronic devices in their educational sessions.” 
— Ioanna Rossi, Green Economy Lead – Climate Action, Residents & Communities, Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames 

Creating a Blueprint for the Future 

One of the most exciting outcomes of the E-Waste Race is the creation of a proven model that can be replicated elsewhere. 

The project’s success demonstrated how combining STEM education, community engagement and professional collection systems can generate measurable environmental impact while inspiring long-term behaviour change. The learning from Kingston has already been shared with other local authorities, helping to support wider adoption of similar initiatives. 

As communities across the UK continue to look for innovative ways to tackle environmental challenges, the E-Waste Race offers a powerful example of how education can become a catalyst for action. 

“We are incredibly proud to have played a part in the UK’s first E-waste Race and to see young people so engaged in giving technology a second life. Inspiring better habits around reuse and recycling at an early age is a powerful step towards building a more circular and sustainable future.” 
— Paul Crossman, CEO, Relove Technology 

Frequently Asked Questions