School Recycling Programs

School recycling programs are a great way to help the environment while also teaching children about the importance of recycling.

Recycling programs in schools

Recycling programs in schools can be as simple as providing recycling bins. They can, however, be much more extensive programs that soon become integrated into the daily life of a school. Recycling, reusing and reducing waste is an important message to teach children and students of all ages.

The benefits of school recycling programs are far reaching. In addition to helping the environment by reducing waste, they also teach children about the importance of recycling and this is an increasingly essential life skill. As children learn more about recycling and recycling facts, they can share their knowledge with others and help to raise awareness of important environmental issues.

Recycling can also help a school to save money. Reusing paper or composting kitchen waste can save small amounts of money. When all the small amounts are added together, however, the total saving can be quite significant.

Recycling waste should be the very last resort. Reducing the volume of waste produced and looking at ways to reuse materials are the first priorities. When this is working effectively, only the very minimum of waste enters the recycling system.

Traditionally, schools produce a lot of waste. The sheer volume of children, combined with day to day school activities, generates waste of all types. Waste paper is produced in the class and staff rooms, food waste comes from the kitchen, plant waste comes from the grounds, packaging waste is generated throughout the school and there are many other areas where specific types of waste are generated. Reducing the amount of waste that is produced reduces the waste that needs to be recycled.

A surprising amount of materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste can be used within a school. Waste paper is a great example. Materials that are printed on a single side can be used as scrap paper. Even paper that is used on both sides can be used in arts and crafts activities, as templates, papier mache or even to paint on. A lot of packaging can be recycled in classrooms too. Large cardboard boxes, wooden pallets and boxes, bubble wrap and other items of packaging are great for use in arts and craft lessons or drama.

Eventually, even the best program of reusing materials will be exhausted and waste will be produced. At this stage a school recycling program will provide students and staff with the necessary means of recycling the waste effectively. The main aim of a recycling program is to reduce the amount of waste that enters landfills. Therefore as many products as possible should be recycled. This includes everything from paper through to the recycling of computers.

The most effective school recycling programs do not operate in isolation. An effective school recycling program will be part of a community effort. Children will put into practice what they learn at school at home and this will help to raise awareness of the importance of recycling. School programs also interact with other community recycling schemes. Compost that is produced with school garden and kitchen waste, for instance, can be used in community gardening schemes.

Many environmental groups are also very happy to work with schools to support recycling programs. They are often prepared to come into school and work with groups of students. Government and local authority initiatives also provide important information and support to a school.

School recycling programs are becoming an increasingly important part of life. As students embrace the recycling message, they are also learning an important life skill that will help them lead a more environmentally friendly lifestyle both now and in the future.

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