School Recycling Resource Page

CVWMA's programs are for residential use.  We do not provide recycling service to schools, however, we know how important it is to have recycling available outside of the home so we have put together some information to help you get a recycling program started anywhere. 

Depending on the types of materials you would like to recycle, there are a number of options in the Central Virginia region for school recycling programs.   You will need to consider three things to implement a successful recycling program:  service, containers and education.  See below for information about each of these.

There are many advantages, financial and otherwise, an organization can experience after implementing a program to reduce, reuse and recycle.

· Create Lower Disposal Costs 

· Save Money by Eliminating Unnecessary Items

· Lower Costs By Buying Bulk or Using Minimal Packaging

· Lower Costs by Reusing Products and Supplies

· Receive Revenue From Recovered Materials

· Lower Costs by Purchasing Products Made from Recovered Materials

You may need to discuss your plans with school administration, so be equipped with the beneficial information to help your conversation go smoothly.

Select a Waste Reduction Coordinator

If you are reading this article, this person is probably you, someone who understands the school's structure and works well with both administration and staff. You may want to form a committee if your school is large.

What Can be Recycled?

Start with one or two commodities. Determine what you are currently throwing away and the quantities of each. For example, schools generate a lot of white paper in the classrooms, and possibly soda cans and bottles in the cafeteria and teachers' lounge.  The kitchen area is possibly generating quite a few steel cans and plastic bottles.  Ask your janitor, take notice of what's thrown away.

Here is a list of readily recyclable materials in our area:

· Aluminum

· Cardboard

· Glass Jars and Bottles

· Newspapers

· Office Paper

· Mixed Paper

· Plastic Bottles

· Steel Cans

 

Who Will Service the Program?

To recycle mixed materials, such as paper, cans and bottles:  Contact CVWMA's curbside recycling contractor, Tidewater Fibre Corporation (TFC) for a price quote.  

To recycle newspaper:  Another CVWMA contractor, SP Recycling, can provide schools with a large stationary bin for the parking lot.  A portion of the funds from the sale of the collected newspaper is provided back to each participating school. SP Recycling also offers a school recycling program that collects paper and magazines.

Check out the telephone directory for other recyclers in the area, looking under the headings of "recycling" and it's variations. Call around to determine the best ones for your needs.

Remember, you may be able to reduce your costs for waste disposal through less frequent collections once your recycling program is implemented.  Schools may wish to partner with their Parent-Teacher organization for assistance funding a recycling program.

What Type of Containers Should We Use to Collect the Materials?

You will find the most success when you make recycling easiest for your audience.  Provide one recycling container next to each trash container.  That way, your audience doesn't have to search for a container to do the right thing.  Plan to provide one recycling container for each classroom or office, as well as in common areas, such as lounges and copy rooms.

There are many companies that sell recycling containers.  You may search on the internet or may find some locally at office supply stores or home improvement centers.  Or you can make your own by applying informational stickers to common containers such as plastic storage totes, available at Wal-Mart or Target.  

Educate your Audience about your Program

CVWMA offers educational materials for children and adults

that emphasize the importance and value of recycling. 

The Virginia Recycling Association (VRA) developed a comprehensive

Guide to Recycling in Virginia Schools.

Please visit these pages for additional resources:

• Publications
• Educational materials
• Why recycling is important
• Reuse + Recycling = Waste Reduction: A Guide for Schools & Groups
• The Go Green Initiative (K through University level) and Planning Guide pdf.

One last tip:  Encourage your local government to provide recycling at schools and county offices!  Have students write letters to local officials asking that recycling be provided since Virginia Standards of Learning require students be taught the value of recycling.

Some information in this article was reprinted from Less Is More: A Guide to Reducing Waste and Improving Profit by permission of St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste District.