Schools are places that consume large amounts of resources and generate a significant amount of solid waste. Experience has shown that all schools have potential to reduce the waste by implementing simple waste reduction and recycling techniques.

Recycling

The Florida Green School Awards

In 2009, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Department of Education and a host of community partners, announced the Florida Green School Awards.

Develop a Recycling Program

According to the 2010 Solid Waste Management Annual Report, Floridians generate 7.84 Pounds/Day of waste. Waste is not something that we think of everyday, but how we manage it cannot be ignored. By choosing to recycle, we can extend the life of a product and divert it from the landfill.

• Step 1(a) - Evaluate your Existing Recycling Program - Review your existing program to make certain that all materials that can be recycled are being collected and separated from regular garbage. If not, meet with the custodial staff and hauler to get your school on the "green" path.

• Step 1(b) - Start a Recycling Program - Conduct a waste audit. The waste audit will help you identify which materials to collect for recycling, what size and type of container you will need and what waste could possibly be prevented in the first place.

• Step 2 - Contact Your County Recycling Coordinator - By law your County is required to provide the opportunity to recycle at least 4 out of the 8 following materials: newspaper, glass, aluminum cans, plastic bottles, steel cans, cardboard, office paper and yard trash. Your local Recycling Coordinator will be able to provide you with specifics on what materials are accepted in the county program as well as a service provider’s contact information.

• Step 3 - Educate ALL Participants - Announce the program, encourage and praise participation and follow-up via memo and newsletters as often as possible. Consistency is the key to any successful program.

Resources

• The Recycle Guys
  The Recycle Guys is Statewide Educational Outreach Campaign that is available FREE to Counties, Municipalities, and School systems. For more information, contact Shannan Reynolds at 850-245-8716.
  
  
  

  Get more Recycle Guy stuff here! Graphics, Activity books and coloring books...

• DEP Kids Page
• The Solid Choices Curriculum for Schools
  • Grades K-2
  • Grades 3-5
  • Grades 6-8
  • Grades 6-8 Supplement
• Greening School Cafeteria Purchasing
  • School Purchasing Presentation
  • Cafeteria Purchasing Questions
• Show the "Recycling: From Bin to Products" slide presentation.
  This slideshow demonstrates where recyclables go and what they become. It provides students with visual comprehension of the recycling process.
• The Grass Roots Recycling Network
  This group works towards zero waste. They advocate for corporate and public policies to eliminate waste and build sustainable communities. These educational resources are provided in conjunction with the effort.
• Florida Reuse Resource Network
• Visit Earth 911 or call 1-800-CLEANUP (253-2687) to learn how and where to recycle many materials including household hazardous waste.
• EPA Environmental Kids Club
• EPA Climate Change - What You Can Do At School
• Additional Recycling Resource Page