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With that said; here are some tips on how to get started recycling at your school:
Get the support of your school's faculty and staff
(include the custodian!). A recycling program can reduce disposal costs for the school.
Select a recycling coordinator, teacher, class, or club to run your program.
The best teams have students, staff, and parents who are willing to help.
Conduct a waste audit (find out what your school is throwing away). What can be recycled? How can the school reduce waste? How can you re-use materials? Call the Nevada Recycling Hotline at 1.800.597.5865 if you'd like help with a waste audit for your site.
Choose what materials to recycle.
It is a good idea to choose one recyclable material to start your new program (for example: office paper). Once your program is
running smoothly, you can include other recyclable materials. Focusing on recycling one type of material at a time allows you to work out any
problems that may come up.
Ask your local waste company if they will pickup the school's recycling OR check under your county at
nevadarecycles.gov for companies that may be able to help.
As a team, define your goals. Make sure everybody has a role.
Decide on the right type of recycle bin. For more information on bins call the nevadarecycles.gov hotline at 1.800.597.5865.
Determine where containers should be placed. Recycling bins should have trash cans next to them (or your recycling bins may be used for garbage!).
On collection day, the recycle team should empty the recycle bins (into larger storage containers). Develop this collection system with your school custodial staff.
If this part of the program is not managed correctly, recyclables can find their way back into the trash cans.
The recycle team should create signs (or contact local businesses as corporate sponsors). Consider holding a kick-off event at your school. Alert the local media of the program. The recycle team may also want to track and graph your recycling success. Share your results with the student body every month!
Consider replacing non-recyclable items with ones that can be recycled or re-used.
The recycle team should educate other students and staff.
Arrange class presentations or a school-wide assembly (make sure to include the custodians in your education program).
Some schools collect aluminum cans to sell to a local recycler.
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