Getting a school recycling program off the ground seems like an easy task, but all sorts of issues can arise. To help make your effort seamlessly implementable and successful, I’ve put together a few pointers (or at least a few questions you can hash over) before you start.

First, have you been given a budget or must you determine the budget?

I hope you are allowed to at least “recommend” the amount of funding which will be required for the program. Implementing a proper recycling program takes ingenuity as well as pencil pushing. The better you have contemplated your recycling needs, the better the budget you can put forward. With a little work you will be able to come up with a reasonable budget or use your given budget to the best of its ability.

To encourage recycling, many municipalities and states offer grants and incentives for schools to establish recycling programs. Browse the web or Google “Recycling grants for schools name of your state or town” and see if anything relevant comes up. Also, phone your local municipality’s waste department and ask if there are any grants available for schools in your area. If you find your budget is tight, you may find some extra funding where you least expect to find it.

Recycling programs do not need to be expensive, they need to be effective. Successful recycling programs have high participation and strong collection rates. When thinking about your program always ask yourself, “How can I use my funding to encourage individuals to strongly participate in the program?”

Second, what is your type of school ?

Is your school public or private? Depending on your school’s funding and its location, recycling pick-up may be handled by the municipality or contracted privately. To find out how recycling pick-up will work with your school, phone your local municipal office and inquire. If you must privately contract recycling pick-up, you may be able to keep your expenses down by contracting both trash and recycling collection services with the same hauler.

Once you’ve determined who will pick-up your recyclables, find out from the hauler how the recyclables must be collected. Can you co-mingle the recyclables or must you separate the recyclables? How often will the recyclables be picked-up? Knowing how to manage the recyclable collection will determine how best to choose the recycling bins for your program.

Third, how many “recyclers” will be participating in the program?

Will your recycling program encompass an entire school district or pertain to certain grades? Determine the number of students, teachers, and office staff that will be recycling. Oh, and don’t forget the potential number of additional “recyclers” that come along with afterschool activities; parents picking up kids after classes, spectators, and visiting sports teams will have bottles and cans to recycle too!

Fourth, what type of recyclables will you be collecting?

Most schools collect paper (classroom and newsprint), beverage containers (glass, plastic, and aluminum cans) and corrugated cardboard. In addition, many offer ancillary recycling opportunities for fund raising and charity; these recyclables can be used books, old cell phones, used clothing, aluminum can tabs, and even plastic bottle caps. (See http://www.recygal.com/?p=841 for section on Aveda). Since many schools have cafeterias, it is important to find out if the cafeteria recyclables will be included in the program too, e.g. Food service size #10 cans, compostable food trays/leftovers, and plastic wrap are often part of cafeteria recycling needs. Interviewing all school departments and asking for their input is important. And, above all, if you are not part of the maintenance department, make sure they are included. Maintenance personnel can make or break a recycling program; their input and buy-in is essential. Once you have interviewed all potential participating departments, you should have a good idea of the types of recyclables and quantities your program will be collecting.

Fifth, are foremost, what type of recycling bins will you need?

The proper recycling containers are critical for the success of your program. Knowing the type of recyclables you plan to collect and their estimated collection quantities will help you to choose the best recycling bins for your program. If your program will offer recycling options both inside the school and out of doors, you may need to consider distinct types of bins for these different collection areas. Depending on where your school is located, the intensity of the sun, rain, wind, and amount of snowfall may influence the bin material specifications required for outdoor collection. If you school hosts sporting events, larger bins may be needed.

Once you are confident you know what are where you will be collecting, you can best begin your search for the proper recycling bins. Do you plan to have collection bins in each classroom or will rooms share collection bins? For example, if you can co-mingle beverage containers (glass, plastic, and aluminum cans), then you will need one bin to collect all three recyclables. If paper must be collected separately, choose a coordinating bin which by color and/or lid style distinguishes itself from the beverage collection unit. Place both bins together and create a recycling station. Why? Collection rates are always highest when people do not have to walk to several locations to recycle. To keep TRASH out of your recyclables, it is important to have a trash receptacle located by your recycling bins too. A coordinating trash bin alongside your recycling containers makes for a super convenient, clearly recognizable locale to handle all waste disposable/recycle needs.

In general, younger students (especially preschool and early elementary school kids) need smaller/shorter recycling bins so they can easily deposit their recyclables. Bins with bold colors and/or eye-catching graphics can help to identify the bins and bring a touch of fun to recycling. Teach the benefits of recycling while introducing the new program and you can spark enthusiasm for a greener lifestyle that can last a lifetime.

Teens and adults need containers that clearly identify the type of recyclables to be collected. Conveniently placing receptacles in high traffic areas and where they are most needed ensures strong collection rates. Actively engage students to put up recycling signs and posters. Consider incorporating school mascots or team logos on the recycling containers. Use school pride and team spirit to raise recycling awareness and support for the program.

For more information of recycling collection stations, please check out the Hexcycle® III Center and the Megabin® Waste System Center at www.recyclingbin.com. These multi-functional recycle/waste collection systems can be customized with school colors and graphics and are designed to withstand the rigors of school recycling both inside and out of doors.

Last, but not least, appoint recycle program managers

As with any initiative, someone must be responsible for implementing and maintaining the program. Placing the collection bins, collecting and emptying the recyclables into the hauler’s dumpster, replacing bin liners, and making sure the bins are in good working order is an on-going process. Winning management takes dedication and enthusiasm; enthusiasts can be found everywhere. Seek recycling program management volunteers from your school’s student environmental club, its maintenance department, or even the P.T.A. Working together will ensure a successful recycling program. I hope these questions have served to spark a few ideas for your program. Please feel free to ask me any questions, I will be happy to assist you. And, don’t forget to let me know how it all works out for you!

© 2009 Recycle Life, LLC
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This entry was posted on Friday, December 4th, 2009 at 8:28 pm and is filed under Helpful websites, Paper, Plastic Bottle Caps, Plastic Recycling, Recycling, School. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.