Setting up a Recycling Program

Setting up recycling and composting programs in schools can be challenging and complex.

For the program to be successful, everyone from the principal to teachers, students and the janitorial staff must be on board! Our public outreach team is happy to help your school develop a successful recycling and composting program; just give us a call at 543-2913.

Green Teams

The ‘Green Team’ model outlines a three meeting formula for establishing an effective recycling program for schools.

Meeting #1

Our public outreach team meets with the school principal or designated teacher to discuss details involved in establishing a  recycling program. We suggest setting up a ‘Green Team’ with representatives from all the schools stakeholders, including principal, teachers, students and custodians. 

Our team will review what bins and signage are already being used and will make recommendations for what else is needed. A letter will be sent to the Waste Champion (Green Team leader) outlining our suggestions and confirming a date for the next meeting. The Waste Champion should make arrangements to have the bins and signs put in place as soon as possible.

Meeting #2

This involves our team going through a sorting exercise with the Green Team who can relay the information to other students. It is particularly useful for students to see samples of the materials as they move through the recycling process. For example, we show them a pop bottle, the bottle after it has been processed, then some products made from the bottle; such as fabric, rope, file folders and t-shirts.

Meeting #3

This meeting is a chance to ensure the recycling and composting program is now operational. Our team checks that all necessary bins and signs are in place, that the waste is being put in the correct dumpsters, and that the hauler is delivering the waste to the Recycling Centre correctly separated.

The public outreach team can answer any questions and ensure that the program is fully functional. Then it becomes the responsibility of the Waste Champion and Green Team to keep the recycling program up and running—ensuring the bins, signs and training for new staff is maintained.

Yearly Updates

The public outreach team will schedule an annual meeting with the Waste Champion and/or Green Team to address any challenges, and ensure the program is running smoothly.

Presentations

Interested in having a guest speaker talk to your class or community group about reducing, reusing, recycling and composting? Call our public outreach team at 543-2913. They are enthusiastic, energetic experts who love sharing their knowledge about waste management.

Our educators offer a wide variety of fun, interactive presentations. They can speak to your class or your entire school and can adapt information to any age group. Presentations can also be tailored to match classroom work or curriculum outcomes.

Presentation activities may include:

• Sorting activities and information
• Crafts & Games (Spin the wheel, Jeopardy, relays, trivia)
• Videos or PowerPoint presentations
• Composting workshops
• School greening information
• Local waste issues and solutions
• Many examples of how to reduce, reuse, recycling and compost.

For an unforgettable learning experience, book your public outreach educator by calling 543-2913.

Moby S. Loop

Moby S. Loop is part of RRFB Nova Scotia’s education and awareness team. Moby travels to schools, festivals and other events all over Nova Scotia to support local efforts to promote waste reduction, reuse, recycling and composting. He is a remote-controlled robot who can speak, shake hands, sing songs, and even do a “recycling dance.”

Click here to book Moby for your class or school event!
http://www.rrfb.com/teachers/booking_moby.cfm

Tour the Community Recycling Centre

We would be happy to give your class a tour of our facility. We’re quite proud of what we do here at the Community Recycling Centre and we love to show kids around (even the chaperones learn a thing or two). It’s a rewarding experience for everyone! Call us at 543-2913 to arrange a visit.