Whether you are a school administrator concerned about increasing solid waste disposal costs, or a recycling-conscientious student, setting up or improving an existing school recycling program can create a learning experience for all involved. When setting up a program, concentrate on areas that produce significant amounts of recyclables.

Steps for Successful Recycling:

Obtain top level support from the School Administration, involve the custodial staff from the beginning, and educate all participants in the program.

Find a local market, drop-off center, recycling service company, or a waste hauler that offers recycling services.

Evaluate which recyclables are generated in different locations of the school in order to determine the best recycling bin locations.

• Administrative offices - high grade office paper, computer paper, cardboard, toner cartridges.
• Classrooms - mixed paper and in some schools bottles and cans.
• Cafeteria - cardboard, steel cans, aluminum cans, bottles, and plastics.
• Library - paper, magazines, books, and newspaper.
• Vending areas - aluminum, glass and plastic containers.

Make sure recycling bins are well marked to ensure they will receive the intended recyclable material. Consider restricted openings on lids to cut down on contamination by trash or other materials. (slots for paper and round holes for bottles and cans). Locate the bins close to trash containers in order to make the choice to recycle easy.

Work with your custodial staff to develop a collection system that they will manage. Adding recyclables to a collection does not increase the amount of material generated. If not properly managed, recyclables may find their way back into the trash.

As a result of the recycling program, you will find that recyclables are being diverted from the waste stream. This should allow the school to reduce the size of waste collection dumpsters or frequency of pickups. By doing this the school may save money. If recycling is implemented properly for every school in the district, the savings can be significant.

Educate and re-educate on your recycling program using the school newspaper, posters, web page, e-mail, school handbook, and student orientation. Update students and staff on the progress of the recycling program in order to involve them in the program and to demonstrate their contribution to improving the environment.