Some of us may still be struggling with recycling - finding ourselves throwing out things in the 'main rubbish' that we do secretly know could be recycled. Although we struggle, we can make things easier for the next generation, by getting in there now and showing our children how to recycle. This way, they are being educated from scratch to accept recycling as part of the scheme of things.
Although landfill sites are managed responsibly in the UK, and there is much research being undertaken in order to help improve the ways in which these can be run, we should still be aiming to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
Teach the Young to Recycle:
It's best to involve children by getting them to see both the serious and the light side of rubbish. You can explain about the concept of space on this planet, and about how there is a huge demand for items to consume - items which are very difficult to get rid of, once they stop working. These are both quite complicated subjects but children do seem to grasp them, especially if they are also shown by example. So do set your children the task of separating out your own household waste, into categories like: paper, organic (for compost), glass, plastics etc.. Children generally love 'ordering' and 'sorting' things, although, the reverse side of this is, as Jack Dee said, that it can sometimes seem as though you are having to file your rubbish, rather than just throw it away.
So set up an area in your home with bins for the main items that your local council will collect. There is a lot of information available that can explain further to children how materials can be recycled; you can get this on-line, or from your local library. Your child's school will probably be participating in some sort of scheme to help educate children about this subject, too.
School:
Many schools in the UK now are involved in environmental education, which is a core part of the curriculum, and they will take recycling for granted. You may even find that your children can teach you about recycling and rubbish disposal! Many schools are also very grateful to receive arts materials in the form of old boxes, toilet rolls etc, and this way your child can also see that waste materials can be re-used in entertaining ways.
It is also educational to take the family to the local recycling centre, where they can again see old things being categorised in various ways. Once they are over a certain age they can also visit a landfill site to learn more about how they work.
Finally, if you are clearing out rubbish in your home and have large items that need throwing out, do not forget to check with your local skip hire company, or your man and van collection service, how responsible they are about waste disposal. If your children hear you asking questions like this, this will also educate them and you will be setting them a great example.