rural recycling success presentation

Tips forRural School

Waste Reduction & Recycling Success

Athena Lee Bradley [email protected] 802-254-3636

Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.

www.nerc.org

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.nerc.org/

Acknowledgements

The Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. (NERC) was awarded a United States Department of Agriculture Rural Utility Services Solid Waste Management Grant in 2009 to provide direct technical assistance & training in waste reduction, recycling, and composting to rural schools in Connecticut, New York, and Delaware. Eight schools participated in the project over the course of two years.

Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. © September 2011 www.nerc.org


Disclaimer

This material is based upon work supported under a grant by the Utilities Programs, United States Department of Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official view of the Utilities Programs.



NERC Resources for Schools

This presentation is designed as a supplement to a companion document—NERC’s Rural School Recycling Success (http://

www.nerc.org/documents/rural_school_recycling.pdf ).

Many school waste reduction, recycling, & composting documents were developed by NERC as part of this project.

Presentations & Tip Sheets are available for download at http://www.nerc.org/documents/index.html#SchoolWaste .

These documents include detailed information & resources to support school source reduction,

reuse, recycling, and composting efforts.Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. © September 2011 www.nerc.org

http://www.nerc.org/documents/rural_school_recycling.pdf

http://www.nerc.org/documents/rural_school_recycling.pdf

http://www.nerc.org/documents/index.html#SchoolWaste




Recycling – General Information



Why Recycle? Between 60-85% of school waste can be

recycled or composted Recycling can lead to avoided waste

disposal costs Recycling offers opportunities for

interdisciplinary studies, service learning projects

Reduced purchasing costs through reduction & reuse



Why Recycle, cont'd

Recycling creates local & regional jobs Recycling conserves resources

Made into new products – from soda bottles to fleece jackets

Recycling uses less energy than virgin materials Burning less fossil fuels = less greenhouse

gases Fewer greenhouse gases = avoiding

contributions to climate change



New Products Made from Recycled Materials

Plastic

Glass

Paper

Metals



Unique Obstacles to Rural Recycling

Collection service options may be limited

May be challenging to implement cost effective recycling collection due to lower volumes of recyclables


http://www.nerc.or/

Getting Started – Waste Reduction & Recycling



Step One: Form a Team

Conduct a survey of faculty & staff Ask for interest, ideas, suggestions, &

committee volunteers Find out who supports waste reduction

& recycling Find out who is willing to make the time

& commitment

Get permission from school principal/District Superintendent



Form a Team, cont'd

Include representatives from: Administration Faculty Custodial staff Cafeteria staff Parents Students

Appoint coordinator or committee chair



Tips

If implementing a team for a school district or multiple schools, include representatives from each school

Look for ways to involve students in the recycling program Appropriate participation based upon grade

level Fosters greater participation & success



Step Two: Conduct a Waste Assessment

Identify materials to be targeted for reduction, reuse, recycling, composting Types & amounts of waste Where the waste is generated

Identify locations for recycling containers Review current recycling & waste

reduction efforts



School Waste Assessment FormName of School: Key Contact: Direct Phone number/extension: Email:

Date:

Number of students in the school: Grade levels: Number of teachers: Number of teacher/staff work areas & break rooms: Number of administrators & other staff:

Cafeteria: Has a kitchen? Yes No Concession St&? Yes No Vending Machines - How many & where are they located?

Location 1: Number: Aluminum cans Plastic bottles Milk cartons Other Location 2: Number: Aluminum cans Plastic bottles Milk cartons Other Location 3: Number: Aluminum cans Plastic bottles Milk cartons Other Are special or hazardous wastes produced by the school? (Such as in the Art rooms, Ceramics Lab, Jewelry Making Shop, Wood Shop, Automotive Shop, Photography Lab,

Vocational Labs, etc.) Yes No If yes, see page 8.

Custodial service Key Contact: Direct Phone:Email: In-house Contracted Frequency of in-school waste collection: Daily Every other day Weekly Other:

Waste Hauler: Key Contact: Phone: Email: In-house Municipal service Contracted/Private hauler


Download the form from NERC’s Website - www.nerc.org/documents/school_waste_assessment_form.doc


What to Recycle



Paper All clean school paper is recyclable

Copier paper Writing paper Colored paper Junk mail Newspapers & magazines

Do not recycle Paper with glue, paint, stickers, glitter on it Tissues Paper towels



Cardboard Develop a collection & storage system

Where is it generated? Who will be responsible for breaking it

down? Where can it be stored?

Cardboard can be stacked & stored in an outside shed or on pallets under plastic

Must be kept clean & dry Flatten to conserve space Remove excess tape



Cardboard, cont'd

If a recycling hauler collects school paper, likely will also take cardboard

Sometimes cardboard & school paper can be stored together

Often an outside cardboard dumpster will be provided by hauler

Cardboard is usually accepted at recycling centers or transfer stations



Plastic Bottles Typically only plastics #1 (soda/water bottles) & #2

(milk containers) are recyclable Check with hauler & local recycling center to see if

other plastics or aseptic containers are accepted Empty bottles of all liquid Bottles do not need to be rinsed Labels are okay Caps are okay Most likely plastic bottles will need to be taken to a

recycling center Consider separating redeemable containers from

non-redeemable for fundraisingNortheast Recycling Council, Inc. © September 2011 www.nerc.org


Steel & Beverage Cans

Rinse to remove food Labels are okay Consider rinsing at end of cafeteria kitchen

cleanup in available sink water to conserve water, or wash in less-than-full dishwasher

Flatten cans Nest cans to save space

Cans may need to be taken by school or volunteer to local recycling center

Check with hauler first to see if will accept for recycling



Glass Containers

Rinse to remove food Remove plastic & metal caps Labels are okay Only beverage & food containers are

recyclable No ceramic or Pyrex glass, drinking glasses, plates,

windows, or other types of glass are acceptable

Glass will likely need to be taken by school or volunteer to a local recycling center



Step Three: Goals, Work Plan, Action Steps

Set a waste reduction goal that is achievable in the school year

Develop a work plan that includes “action steps” to meet the goal

Tasks that need to be done Who will perform the tasks Timeline to accomplish the tasks

Obtain support for the plan from school administration



Goals, Work Plan, Action Steps, cont'd Start small—one or two materials

Mixed paper & cardboard Redeemable beverage containers

Implement in phases for easy modification

Hold a “desk & locker” clean-out day



Goals, Work Plan, Action Steps, cont'd

Consider simple, low cost waste reduction & reuse programs

Expand an existing recycling program by adding at least one material Conduct an outreach campaign to

promote newly added material



Work Plan SampleGoal: Expand recycling at school by adding beverage container recycling.

Strategy: Conduct school-wide education & promotional campaign about beverage container recycling project.

Tasks:• Committee members will investigate options for obtaining

collection containers for the cafeteria & hallways & decide on a collection system.

• Develop outreach & promotional materials for the recycling project.

• Record tonnages recycled; evaluation & recommendations for program continuation.



Work Plan Sample, cont'dTimeline: November - February

Measures of Success:

• Placement of beverage container recycling bins & development of collection plan.

• Amount of materials collected, measured by actual weights of materials or recorded volumes of materials.

• Documented reporting of any problems & recommendations for continuing the collection next school year.



Examples of Work Plans can be found in Case Studies on the

NERC Website. http://www.nerc.org/documents/index.html#SchoolWaste







Develop a Budget

Recycling bins Cardboard boxes Solicit bin contributions from town or

businesses

Staff & teacher time Promotion (signage, fliers) Hauling charges



Cost Efficiencies

Develop partnerships with businesses, PTO, & the community

Collect redeemable beverage containers Consider recycling fundraisers, such as

cell phones & printer cartridges Hold community collections – beverage

containers, cell phones, etc.



Cost Efficiencies, cont'd

Review existing hauler contracts Maintain accurate recycling records Ensure waste disposal contract is

based on actual volumes disposed Monitor waste disposal once recycling

is implemented



Tip

Discuss with school administration how waste reduction & recycling can reduce disposal costs for the school.



Step Four: Consider Waste Reduction & Reuse

Paper Use Reduction Campaign Adopt a school “Paper Use

Reduction” goal & policy that promotes use of electronic media

Send notices home to parents via email Use email for in-school communications Set up a file-share system on the

school Website



Paper Use Reduction Campaign, cont'd

Double-sided copying Train staff about double-sided

copying/printing Post signage about recycling & double-sided

printing next to all printers/copiers Set double-sided copying/printing as default

setting Reuse boxes

In all classrooms, next to printers & copiersNortheast Recycling Council, Inc. © September 2011 www.nerc.org


Reduction & Reuse, cont'd

Cafeteria Food Waste Reduction Zero waste lunches “Offer Versus Serve”

Allow students to decline items they do not wanto Acceptable under USDA national

school lunch & breakfast programs



Reduction & Reuse, cont'd

Exchanges Set-up closet/other small area for Student

Supply Exchange File folders, hanging folders, envelopes, binders,

paperclips, pens, pencils, etc.

Promote Exchange to teachers & staff Encourage students to leave (or take) items

Start a prom dress (& tuxedo) exchange for students or join a regional exchange

List used musical instruments & sporting equipment in newsletter or on Website



Step Five: Determine Where the Materials will Go

Identify a hauler or recycling center Check with school trash hauler Negotiate with hauler to offer reduced rate

for hauling both trash & paper Check Internet or telephone directory under

“recycling” for recycling haulers

Transport materials to local recycling center or transfer station



Where the Materials Will Go, cont'd

Organize a district-wide collection Use school supply vehicles to collect

materials Take to a central school location for pick-up

by hauler or for transport by school personnel to a recycling center

Ask public works or highway department to provide hauling



Where the Materials Will Go, cont'd Can a local business or town office

act as a drop-off point or provide collection?

Is there a non-profit willing to collect materials?

If no options for paper recycling exist, there may be agricultural outlets for paper (animal bedding or compost)



Tips

Explore all options before setting up the collection

Pooling resources with other schools, town offices, or businesses can work to everyone’s advantage

The greater the volume of material, the more cost effective it may be for a hauler to collect



Tips

Find out exactly what the hauler will accept or what is acceptable at the recycling center prior to setting up the program

Some haulers will only handle paper Most recycling centers or transfer

stations will accept paper & beverage containers



Step Six: Determine Storage for the Collected Materials Consult with hauler

The hauler will typically provide containers for storage (large carts, dumpster-style containers)

Self-transport Devise system for easy transport

o Small carts on wheelso Reusable bags or boxes



Storage, cont'd

Storage areas for carts or bags Hallways, closets, an empty room, or

a small outside storage shed Consider safety, health, & fire codes

when selecting storage area



Storage & Collection Bins

Each classroom & office (each desk best) should have recycling bins

Small containers, 15 - 25 gallons are best

Decorated cardboard boxes Old trash cans (decorated & with

recycling signage) Plastic totes, such as curbside recycling

or home storage containers



Classroom Container Options



Beverage Container Recycling Bins



Tips

Contact your town or county to see if it can provide collection bins

Solicit business or PTO sponsorship to purchase bins

Look for grant funding



Step Seven: The In-School Collection System

Set-up a system for moving recyclable materials from the classrooms (& offices) to outside recycling storage container (or to larger carts stored inside)

Determine: Who will collect the material How often will it be collected How it will be collected



Classroom Collection OptionsOption One Each classroom empties its recycling bin

into a centralized cart Carts can be located in hallways

The recycling team or custodian takes central cart to outside bin (or to the curb for collection by a hauler, or a storage area for later transport to a recycling center)



Collection Options, cont'd

Option Two Custodians empty recyclables from the

classrooms & office areas Could be done on an as-needed basis Scheduled collection, e.g., one floor a day



Collection Options, cont'd

Option Three The recycling team or another school

group empties classroom containers Classrooms can set the bins outside the

classroom on a scheduled day Students organize collection schedule—

one floor a day, etc.



Tips

Be sure to include offices & teacher work areas in the collection system

If beverage containers are collected, these too must be factored in & a system designed for collection

Beverage containers may need to be collected on a daily basis to reduce potential for insect problems



Containers

Classroom & office bins can be emptied into larger, centralized containers (30-60 gallons) located around the school

E.g., rolling carts or large reusable bags

Carts may be able to be picked-up & emptied by the hauler

Check to see if the hauler provides carts



Containers, cont’d

Alternatively, smaller carts can be used & materials moved to outside storage bin

These carts or bags can also be rolled into the classroom, down hallways, & into office areas for collecting material



Sample Collection Carts



Points of Collection

Classrooms (mixed paper, beverage containers)

Office areas & teacher work areas (mixed paper, cardboard, beverage containers)

Library (newspaper, mixed paper) Break areas & hallways (vending

machines–beverage containers)



Points of Collection, cont'd

Near printers, copiers (paper) Cafeteria & kitchen (beverage containers,

steel cans, cardboard) Supply rooms (cardboard) Athletic areas (beverage containers) Machine shop (metal, paper, used motor

oil, antifreeze)



Tips Involve custodial staff in determining most

effective way to haul & store recyclables Even if custodians do not do the

collection, this ensures that recyclables do not inadvertently end-up in trash or get contaminated with garbage

Use same style recycling bins for all classrooms

Label collection bins for recycling & acceptable material



Tips, cont'd

Distinguish paper recycling bins from beverage container recycling bins by using different styles or colors

Recycling bins should be easily distinguishable from trash bins

Make sure storage bins meet fire safety codes

Collected recyclables must be kept clean & dry



Step Eight: Publicity & Education Develop a school recycling slogan & logo

Hold a design contest

Hold a kick-off event Announce program to local media, on Facebook,

Twitter, etc.

Have students design posters, educational displays, newsletter articles, & PA announcements

Show what can & cannot be recycled Show how to recycle Show importance of student participation Boast about success



Publicity & Education, cont'd Have recycling team do class

presentations, skits, or raps Conduct training sessions for teachers,

cafeteria workers, & student leaders about what can & cannot be recycled, & why

Encourage teachers to incorporate recycling into curricula

Invite environmental speakers to speak about importance of recycling, careers in the environmental field, & local or regional solid waste issues



School Environmental Club Presentation



Sample Display



Step Nine: Troubleshooting & Monitoring

Monitor recycling bins for contamination This is most effectively done when

material is collected or just following collection

Respond quickly & appropriately to any contamination issues

Assign classroom volunteers to monitor program



Monitoring, cont'd

Keep an eye on program operations Are the collection bins in the right place? Are they overflowing too quickly? Are the people in charge of the collection

satisfied with the system? Are the collection bins & storage areas neat

& clean? Is there enough signage? Are there any problems with insects around

beverage recycling bins?Northeast Recycling Council, Inc. © September 2011 www.nerc.org


Monitoring, cont'd Keep records of materials collected &

reductions in trash disposal May be able to decrease size of garbage

dumpster, number of dumpsters, &/or frequency of collection

Use EPA’s WARM Tool (http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/waste/calculators/Warm_home.html) to calculate energy savings & greenhouse gas emission reductions from the school’s recycling efforts


http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/wycd/waste/calculators/Warm_home.html




Monitoring, cont'd

Regularly post recycling results Add new members to recycling team

to avoid burnout Ask custodial staff for input about

recycling efforts & suggestions for improvements

Recognize their contributions



Checking for Contaminants & Sorting Materials



Tips Program monitoring & outreach activities

must be ongoing & permanent part of recycling efforts

Be positive & rewarding Consider contests & awards as way to

reward participation & encourage students to recycle

Promote recycling tonnages, environmental benefits, contest winners, etc. on Website, Facebook, & school announcements



Resources Available on NERC Website: Action Tip Sheetshttp://www.nerc.org/documents/index.html#SchoolWaste

Waste Assessments & Waste Audits

Waste Audit Sheets School Waste

Assessment Form School Reuse Tips Paper Use Reduction in

Schools School Cafeteria Waste

Reduction

Rural School Recycling Success

School Composting Options

Fundraising with Recycling

Rural School Case Studies in Waste Reduction, Reuse, Recycling, & Composting

School Web Resources






Resources Available on NERC Website, cont'dPresentations Rural School Recycling

Success Composting at School Sustainable Recycling for

Schools Implementing a Successful

Green School Program Hands to Earth: Educating for

a Sustainable World Manchester Essex

(Massachusetts) Regional School District Composting

Mansfield Middle School (Connecticut) Composting

Case Studies Academy of the Holy

Family, Connecticut Sayles School,

Connecticut. John M. Clayton

Elementary School, Delaware

Pencader Charter High School, Delaware

Eldred School District, New York

Liberty School District, New York



Other Resources

Tools to Reduce Waste in Schools http://www.epa.gov/wastes/education/toolkit.htm

Materials for Recycling www.ciwmb.ca.gov/gallery/wasteprev

Lesson Plans & Other Resources www.paperrecycles.org Go Green School Initiative www.gogreeninitiative.org Green School Resources

http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8803.html The Green Team www.thegreenteam.org Various School Resources www.kab.org


http://www.epa.gov/wastes/education/toolkit.htm

http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/gallery/wasteprev

http://www.paperrecycles.org/

http://www.gogreeninitiative.org/

http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8803.html

http://www.thegreenteam.org/

http://www.kab.org/
