About Wastebuster and The Pod

The Pod is Wastebuster’s award-winning education platform, supporting schools, families, and communities to take practical action for people and planet.

Originally launched in 2008, The Pod became one of the UK’s largest sustainability programmes for schools. In 2019, Wastebuster took over the programme and has since developed it into a national and international hub for environmental learning, action, and impact.

Today, more than 24,000 schools and 76,000 teachers have registered with The Pod, with schools in 94 countries, including Hong Kong, India, Costa Rica, Japan, Russia, South Africa, and Australia.

Through The Pod, Wastebuster uses engaging digital resources, storytelling, and character-led content to inspire children and families to live more sustainably. Our work focuses on waste reduction, recycling, energy, water, biodiversity, and climate action, while encouraging positive everyday behaviour change.

Jointhepod.org is our free, interactive learning platform for teachers, community leaders, parents, and children aged 4–16. All resources are curriculum-linked and designed to be practical, engaging, and easy to use. They include lesson plans, activities, assemblies, videos, games, challenges, and downloadable materials such as posters and certificates.

Our national campaigns — including Switch Off Fortnight, Waste Week, Water Week, Recycle to Read, What’s Under Your Feet? and The Hidden Treasure Hunt — help whole school communities take part in coordinated action that delivers real environmental impact.

We work closely with industry, governments, academia, and NGOs to ensure our campaigns support schools in achieving their sustainability goals.

To ensure our programmes remain relevant and effective, we carry out regular research and consultation with teachers and young people across the UK. Our educator advisory network helps shape our resources, communications, and future development.

Wastebuster is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company and accredited NGO partner of the United Nations Environment Programme, dedicated to environmental education and social impact.

We work in partnership with the United Nations, governments, businesses, public bodies, and charities to deliver high-quality programmes at scale and at no cost to schools.

We are always keen to collaborate with organisations that share our commitment to protecting the planet and empowering the next generation.

If you would like to give feedback, explore partnership opportunities, or work with us, please contact us.