Mini Company students have made waves with their innovative approach to tackling environmental challenges, impressing Cllr Gillian Coughlan and Cork County Council's Environment and Litter Management Department. 

In response to the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) introduced last year, the students developed a prototype attachment for public litter bins. This ingenious device enables the segregation of plastic bottles and aluminium cans, providing a practical solution to a pressing issue. 

The social enterprise idea behind the prototype aims to: 

• Encourage recycling by making it easier for individuals to dispose of recyclable materials responsibly. 

• Reduce bin rummaging, a common problem in public spaces. 

• Generate potential funds for the school, creating a win-win for both the environment and the local community. 

Leon Griffin, Sean O'Driscoll, Stephen Linehan, Thomas O'Donovan, and Aaron Lee—showed exceptional creativity and teamwork throughout the development process. Their dedication to this project reflects their commitment to sustainability and community improvement. 

Special thanks go to Ms. Caitríona Leahy and Ms. Sinéad O'Donovan for their mentorship and guidance, which were instrumental in bringing this idea to life. 

The Council praised the students for their forward-thinking approach and acknowledged the potential of this prototype to enhance Cork County’s recycling initiatives. 

We are incredibly proud of our TY students for their hard work and innovation. Watch this space for updates on how their prototype evolves and the positive impact it will have on our community!