Schools can help move our city's recycling effor forward. Whether you're an administrator concerned about the budget impact of ever increasing solid waste disposal costs or an environmentally aware student, setting up or improving a school recycling program can create a learning experience for all involved.

As a result of your recycling program, you should find that a significant amount of recyclables are being diverted from the waste stream. This may allow the school to reduce the size of waste collection dumpsters, or frequency of pickups. If recycling were to be implemented properly in every school in the district, the savings to our city would be significant.

When setting up a program, concentrate on areas that produce significant amounts of recyclables.

How to Start a Successful Recycling Program

Starting a great recycling program at your school isn't hard if you pay attention to three major ingredients: getting support, locating bins, and educating the school community.

Abitibi Paper Retriever

Many city schools are earning money from a fundraising program sponsored by Abitibi-Consolidated Recycling. Contact Sue Eager by phone at 816-0327, or by email for more information.

Get support for the program

Be sure to obtain top level support from your school's administration and involve the custodial staff from the start. Also be sure to publicize your effort to create excitement and buy-in from the entire school community.

Decide on recycling bin locations

To determine the best recycling bin locations, evaluate what kind of recyclables are generated where. Administrative offices use high-grade office paper, computer paper, cardboard, toner cartridges. Classrooms are usually provide mixed paper and sometimes bottles and cans. The cafeteria is a source of cardboard, steel and aluminum cans, bottles, and plastics. Libraries produce paper, magazines, books, and newspaper. And aluminum, glass and plastic containers can be found near vending areas.

Educate and Communicate

Using the school newspaper, posters, website, e-mail, handbook and student orientation materials, educate and re-educate your entire school community. Update students and staff on the progress of the recycling program to involve them in the program and to demonstrate their contribution to improving the environment.