Almost six million children from the UK's more than 20,000 primary schools are being called to join a nationwide campaign to tackle the country's growing electrical waste crisis.
The Hidden Treasure Hunt is a new schools-and-families initiative that aims to increase recycling levels of old electrical items hidden away in drawers at home.
Recent research by Recycle Your Electricals found that more than 100,000 tonnes of electricals are thrown away every year, with an average of 30 items stashed away in every UK home, or more than 880 million electrical items in total.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: "With an average of 30 unused electrical items in each household, this government is determined to end the nation's throwaway culture and reduce waste to landfill and incineration. By finding the 'hidden treasure' in old electricals, primary school kids can ensure their devices have a second life, rather than costing the earth."
Graeme Milne, Chief Executive of Ecogenesys, said: "Harnessing the power of schools, and especially engaged children who want to make a real difference to the world we live in, we want recycling electricals to become second nature, much like recycling plastic bottles and cans."
Participating pupils can drop off unwanted tech at any Currys store or at almost 30,000 drop off points across the country. Schools will be ranked on a national leaderboard, with those ranked highest at the end of the 2025/26 academic year receiving a share of £20,000 of tech vouchers.
The Hidden Treasure Hunt is a new schools-and-families initiative that aims to increase recycling levels of old electrical items hidden away in drawers at home.
Recent research by Recycle Your Electricals found that more than 100,000 tonnes of electricals are thrown away every year, with an average of 30 items stashed away in every UK home, or more than 880 million electrical items in total.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: "With an average of 30 unused electrical items in each household, this government is determined to end the nation's throwaway culture and reduce waste to landfill and incineration. By finding the 'hidden treasure' in old electricals, primary school kids can ensure their devices have a second life, rather than costing the earth."
Graeme Milne, Chief Executive of Ecogenesys, said: "Harnessing the power of schools, and especially engaged children who want to make a real difference to the world we live in, we want recycling electricals to become second nature, much like recycling plastic bottles and cans."
Participating pupils can drop off unwanted tech at any Currys store or at almost 30,000 drop off points across the country. Schools will be ranked on a national leaderboard, with those ranked highest at the end of the 2025/26 academic year receiving a share of £20,000 of tech vouchers.
