Page 526 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

504 EDUCATION APPLICATIONS

■ Technology services—Various Internet sites provide information and resources
regarding reuse, recycling, and proper disposal of old computer equipment or other
electronic devices.
■ Transportation—Information and resources highlighting key pollution prevention
strategies to reduce the amount materials purchased and disposed of in school dis-
trict transportation departments.

40.5 Implementation and Approach

For schools considering starting a recycling program at their school, there are resources
available to help. The following guidelines should be followed when setting up a school
recycling program:

■ Organize a coordination team.
■ Involve students, parents, teachers, custodial staff, local solid waste or public
works departments, and community representatives.
■ Determine which recyclables are in your waste stream.
■ Perform a waste composition study and categorize the trash to determine what
waste can be minimized or recycled. Use the results of the audit to help create a
specific recycling program.
■ Identify a local market for recyclables.
■ Contact local recycling facilities to see what materials they collect and what serv-
ices they provide. Be sure to find out how recyclables should be separated and what
items can be commingled.
■ Find local recycling facilities. Contact the school’s current waste hauler to see if
they provide recycling services as well. If your local government solid waste office
already has a curbside or business recycling program, see if the school can be added
to the pickup schedule.
■ Select the type of recycling program that would be best for each school.
■ Contract with a private hauler, tap into curbside recycling within the community,
or establish a mini drop-off facility at the school for the entire community. To
prevent the accumulation of items that you cannot recycle, make sure to have all
aspects of your program in place before collecting any recyclables.
■ Work out a budget for the collection program.
■ Obtain money from the school budget, PTA fundraising, or partnerships with
local businesses or civic groups. Recycling should reduce the school’s waste
stream, so look into reducing the frequency of trash pickups and allocating those
savings toward the pickup of recyclables.
■ Apply for a grant to help fund containers for your program.
■ Establish a system for collecting and storing recyclables.
■ Place bins in easily accessible areas within the school. Focus on areas that gener-
ate recyclables, such as classrooms, the cafeteria, teacher lounges, and copy rooms.