How could I start I recycling program at my school?

Question

We throw over 4,000 plastic bottles away a week at school. This is ridiculous. I have to take my bottles home to recycle them. I know there are so many student who would recycle and who would be very glad to see a program started at our school.

Answer 1

A good place to start is to talk to the local waste hauler of the school before anything else.  Most likely, if you are at a school you probably have one specific Waste representative who works with your account.  They will be able to tell you whether or not it if is possible in the area and what costs will be assoicated with recycling.  Chances are if you are near a decent size metropolitan area they will provide this type of service with you.  MAKE SURE..........that when you call your waste hauler that you are transferred to your sales representative who manages your account because they will be best suited to help remedy the situation.  The principal/superintendent may have this person's info already.

+++This is a good place to start, but your local waste hauler does not provide this service.  I would start calling around to other haulers in the area that might be able to provide this service.  Chances are your school is in a contract and that can be disolved, but will require a certified letter (typically about 3 months prior to cancel any exisiting service)

+++One other route is to check the web for local grant sources that are available that might be able to provide the resources necessary to to get this program started.  Are you a student or a an employee of the school?  I do know that there are some alternative grants through the sierra club and other various groups to help make your campus green (campus ecology program--for one).

+++You will get some resistance from the school.  This is normal and I think it is because people are generally control freaks or really bored with their lives.  Don't let it discourage you.  This is most definately possible and it could save the school money, which is a win/win situation for your cause.  

$$$ You will need 2 very important factors to fit into the equation if this is going to work.  Unless the school is openly receptive about the idea, this new program will need to save them money or it will need to cost them relatively what they are paying now with little to no additonal inconvenience.  Even if it does cost them a little more to recycle the material, which it shouldnt cost more if you are near a major city, you might be able to push this under the guise of greening the facility and promoting a "Better Image".

If you don't have the capacity to recycle plastic in the area, then get creative and think of ways to reduce the amount of plastic that you are using?  Maybe your soda machines are plastic, but you can switch back to aluminum cans, which is certainly recyclable about any place in the U.S.

Good luck and keep the good ideas coming!!!!!

Answer 2

First check to see if your school has an environmental-related club. A group usually has more leverage than an individual.  I used to provide the speaker on the morning announcements with a random recycling or pollution fact every day.  Action comes from awareness, so find an instructor that shares your concern and see what influence you guys can have!

Answer 3

Have a meeting with the Principal, express your concerns. Its a great idea.