A novel use of waste is the diversion of paper offcuts and other materials to schools where it is used as play material. Through Play Resource, a Belfast-based registered charity, over 250 tonnes of waste is redirected from the waste stream and landfill each year.  Instead it is being re-used and recycled to become part of children's education and an important free source of play and creativity.

Play Resource currently collects waste from more than 200 firms, which is then used to support arts, play and education projects in youth clubs, schools, playgroups, after school clubs, family centres, special needs groups and many other types of children's groups and organisations.  The net result benefits both the environment and 200,000 children and young people.