Recycling in Schools
Schools can make a big impact in our city's recycling effort. Whether you're an administrator concerned about increasing solid waste disposal costs, or a environmentally aware student, setting up or improving a 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.
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.
Get support for the program
Obtain top level support from the School Administration, involve the custodial staff from the beginning, and educate all participants in the program.
Abitibi Paper Retriever
Many city schools are earn money from a fundraising program sponsored by Abitibi-Consolidated Recycling. Contact Sue Eager at 851-3027, or by email at seager@buffalo.k12.ny.us for more information.
Decide on recycling bin locations
To determine the best recycling bin locations, evaluate which recyclables are generated in different locations of the school. 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 cans, aluminum cans, bottles, and plastics. Libaries produce paper, magazines, books, and newspaper. And alumunim, glass and plastic containers can be found near vending areas.
Educate and communicate
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.
As a result of the 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. By doing this the school may save money. If recycling is implemented properly for every school in the district, the savings can be significant.
