Spend some time looking around the office to see what materials are generated, the amounts of those materials, and create a map marking where materials are created. Build your program around high-volume items that are easy to recycle and slowly add more items to the program.

For detailed information about what is being thrown away, perform a Waste Audit |  Learn More >

Following are common school materials eligible for diversion:

• Paper (newspaper, books, magazines, files/folders, etc.)
• Binders
• Envelopes
• Cardboard
• Office supplies (writing instruments, electronics, etc.)
• Beverage containers (aluminum, tin, plastics 1 – 7, glass)
• Kitchen waste (food scraps, coffee grounds, etc.)
• Paper towels
• Scrap metal
• Plastic packaging (containers, film, bags, etc.)
• Miscellaneous items (food wrappers, etc.)

Collection: Now that you’ve identified materials for recycling, choose your service method and provider. You can either work with your current waste hauler to create a recycling program or assign the collection duties to an employee (recycling coordinator) who would be able to collect recyclables and bring them to a local drop off facility (many free options). Be sure to include custodial contractors in the new program, so they can help identify contamination issues.

Communication/Education: Staff and student engagement is vital to a successful program. Continually educate staff and students about proper recycling, contamination issues and any changes to the program.

Ideas for employee/student education:

• Online recycling guide (internal)
• New employee training materials
• Simple signage
• Monthly update email
• Standard operating procedures
• Videos
• Fundraisers

For more ideas, view Keep America Beautiful's recycling program improvement resources | Learn More >

Commitment: Obtain management’s support and create a school policy that provides a clear vision of the waste reduction and recycling goals, including buying recycled products. Creating a demand for recycled products provides incentive for recycling companies to turn more recyclables into new products.

Setting up the program involves:

• Getting policy approval
• Either establishing a contract with a waste hauler or organizing a plan to drop off recyclables
• Acquiring collection bins
• Announcing the new program to students and staff

More implementation ideas:

• Designating a recycling coordinator
• Setting up an employee/student incentive program
• Introducing the program at staff meetings/classrooms/PTA events, posting information in break rooms/cafeterias, emailing employees/parents, and keeping recycling information readily available to staff/students

Track recycling program efforts so you can manage and celebrate waste diversion numbers, including:

• Volume collected
• High-use areas (full bins discourage continued recycling)
• Money saved
• School goal achievements

Strive to continuously improve as you move forward with the program by seeking feedback on what is working and what is not and making adjustments as necessary.