My name is Liz Shah and I help co-ordinate the recycled uniform scheme. I am a parent of children at the school and like all CRSA members I volunteer my time when I can. As well as myself, there are other parents/carers who give up an hour a week (or when they can) during the school day to help organise the donated uniform. I also need volunteers when setting up a recycled uniform market stall, as we set up tables and carry 18 boxes back and forth.  Any amount of help takes the pressure off other volunteers and makes sure the uniform is available quickly. If someone volunteers to help sort uniform they first need a DBS check done by the school office for free. Once this is completed, I show them what needs to be done and answer any questions.

Why recycle uniform?

At Cromer Road we believe in doing our part to help the environment. A survey from 2022 showed up to 1.4 million school uniforms, many that could have been reused, ended up in landfill every year. We want to help change this, and it’s not just about the environment. The cost of new uniform that frequently gets lost or quickly outgrown can be a huge financial burden. To try and help, the CRSA offers a free uniform recycling service.

What happens to the uniform?

We collect clean, good quality uniform donations in a black bin by the main gate of the school. Sometimes the items are brand new! This is then sorted into age groups and any unsuitable items removed by parent volunteers. Any parent or guardians of a child at the school can email uniform@crsa.online.  Parent volunteers then look for the items, bag and label them and contact the parent/guarding when ready for collection from the school office. If anyone is unable to collect from the school office due to work, the items can be delivered to the child’s classroom.