What is the ARL?

The Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) is an evidence-based system for Australia and New Zealand that provides you with easy to understand recycling information when you need it most – at the bin. It removes confusion, saves you time and reduces waste going to landfill.

The ARL is an element of APCO’s Packaging Recycling Label Program. APCO, Planet Ark and PREP Design are working in partnership to deliver the program. This will help everyone better understand how to dispose of packaging effectively and assist brands in designing packaging that is recyclable. This scheme aims to increase recycling and recovery rates and contribute to cleaner recycling streams.

Our Lessons for Years 5 & 6

These lessons have been developed as part of Planet Ark’s campaign around the Australasian Recycling Label and sustainable packaging. You can get involved during Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week or at any time during the school year and join thousands of amazing teachers in making a difference and creating positive environmental change. If you use any of these lessons, we highly recommend you submit an entry for the School’s Recycle Right Challenge in Term 4 and enter in the draw to win amazing prizes for your school!

 

Primary Education Resources

Big Challenges, Big Impact – Science – Years 5 & 6

Students will be inspired by how individuals can make a difference. They will consider how engaging with the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) and changing their recycling behaviour and consumer habits can positively impact landfill and waste material usage.
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Reduce and Re-use – English & Science – Years 5 & 6

Students will explore the waste hierarchy and consider alternatives to recycling. They will critically evaluate their consumption of packaging and think creatively to come up with ways to reduce and re-use.
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Rethinking Packaging – Design & Science – Years 5 & 6

In this lesson students undertake real-world learning in the role of material designers. They investigate a range of packaging items and discuss why some of these items don’t feature the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL).
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Design and build a Materials Recovery Facility – Design & Science – Years 5 & 6

Students assume the role of a material scientist as they participate in hands-on investigations to sort and classify a range of items based on their properties. 
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ARL – Exploring the ARL – Science – Years 5 & 6

Students explore prior knowledge about recycling and the ARL, working together to research and collaboratively curate this information. they then engage with a flipped classroom pedagogical approach.
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ARL Audit – English, Mathematics, Science
– Years 5 & 6

In this lesson students will undertake real-world learning as they seek the answers to these questions to advocate effectively for these positive changes.
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Marketing Campaign (Assessment) – English & Science – Years 5 & 6

Students assume the role of marketing executives, analysing the persuasive marketing techniques and aesthetic choices used by the Check It! Before You Chuck It campaign to promote the message of the ARL.
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Sustainable News (Assessment) – English, HASS, Science – Years 5 & 6

In this lesson students will reflect on their learning across this unit, reinforcing the ideas and topics covered, revisiting topics and uncovering any gaps in understanding.
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More from Planet Ark and National Recycling Week

To view even more content, head to our National Recycling Week page.

Ollie and the Spectral Spectacles – [email protected] – Upper Primary

Become an inventor just like Ollie, designing your own inventions using old, unused and unwanted items from around your house, while thinking about how much we send to landfill that could be reused or repurposed.
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National Recycling Week Primary – Foundation to Year 6

These lessons have been developed as part of Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week. By participating in National Recycling Week you’ll be joining thousands of amazing teachers in making a difference and creating positive environmental change. 
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With Thanks to Our Partner

 

This lesson has been developed as part of Planet Ark’s campaign around the Australasian Recycling Label and sustainable packaging. 

© 2021 Planet Ark and Cool Australia.

Cool Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to land, water and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past, present and emerging.