Cafeteria recycling

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This year, the Stewart Elementary PTA implemented a cafeteria recycling program.  Here are the steps required:

1. Get buy in from the Principal.  Ask her to talk to cafeteria staff about this project, as their involvement and support is criticial.

2. Contact local recycling center for pricing and options on recycling pick up.

3.  Ensure you have a budget for the project.  You may need fundraising for this program - it isn't cheap!

4. Purchase additional trash cans to be used for recycling - they must be distinguishable from regular trash cans.

5. Educate students on what items may be recycled - we covered this during library time and brought "props" to show the students.

6. Solicit parent volunteers to help for the first week.

7.  Monitor the program periodically.  Check in at lunch time to ensure students are recycling properly.  Refresher training may be necessary.

8. Monitor the recycling bin - you may need the collection truck to come more or less often, depending on the amount of use.

This program is expensive, but we thought it was a worthwhile expense because it not only keeps a huge amount of trash out of landfills, but it teaches the kids recycling, which we hope they will do at home as well.