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Teachers: Composting & Recycling

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The resources below include general information about composting and recycling. Also learn how to involve students in setting up a school recycling program.

Composting
Recycling

Composting

Man holding composted material/soil

Composting
This Web site discusses what composting is, what compost can be used for, and other related topics.

Food Scraps
This Web site provides information about environmentally sound food scraps management.

School Composting — The Next Step in Recycling Exit EPA Disclaimer
Explains how to establish and maintain a successful school-wide composting program for cafeteria food scraps (provided by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection).

Composting in Schools Exit EPA Disclaimer
This Web site provided by Cornell University includes information on composting and ideas for student research projects. The site also contains information on the science and engineering of composting, how to compost both indoors and outdoors, and frequently asked composting questions.

GreenScaping: The Easy Way to a Greener, Healthier Yard
Shows how changing your landscape to a GreenScape, over time can save you time and money and protect the environment.

"Greenscaping" Your Lawn and Garden (PDF) (8 pp, 1.8MB) | en Español (PDF) (8 pp, 313K)
Provides information about the benefits of grasscycling, mulching, and composting and how they can help us improve the environment.

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Recycling

Recycling bins placed for curbside pickup

Reuse + Recycling = Waste Reduction: A Guide for Schools and Groups (PDF) (32 pp, 676K) | en Español (PDF) (32 pp, 6.8MB)
This booklet is designed for schools and community groups to encourage waste reduction programs. It also lists the benefits of waste prevention, provides case studies of waste reduction programs that work, and includes steps for starting a waste reduction program. The booklet is also included in the Make a Difference campaign kit.

Plug-In To eCycling Event Tool Kit
The Plug-In To eCycling Event Tool Kit for consumer electronics recycling events provides local governments, nonprofit organizations, electronics manufacturers and retailers, and other interested groups with key information to help them stage electronics recycling events.

A Manual for Implementing School Recycling Programs Exit EPA Disclaimer
This document, published by the Massachusetts Recycling Coalition, outlines the key elements in establishing waste diversion programs in schools. Information is provided for schools and recycling programs of all sizes, in addition to information on school composting programs.

Oregon Green School Tools (PDF) (52 pp, 146K) Exit EPA Disclaimer
These tools were developed by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for educators who are working on improving the health and livability of their school environment. The tools include involving students in conducting resource assessments for materials, energy and water, identifying resource efficiency opportunities, planning, tracking, and reporting.

The Fourth “R”—An Action Booklet for Waste Reduction and Recycling in the Classroom and School (PDF) (12 pp, 109K) Exit EPA Disclaimer
This booklet, published by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, is designed to help teachers practice recycling, waste reduction, and reuse in the classroom and throughout the school system. The booklet includes educational activities and information on how to get students involved.

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EPA Educational Resources | Office of Environmental Education


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