Recycling - Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the more frequently asked recycling questions and answers to those questions.
What can our schools recycle?
- At a minimum, we require (yep, it's mandatory!) that all District schools recycle cardboard, paper, and mixed plastic, glass, and aluminum (together, called "commingled materials"). We also require the recycling of electronic waste (commonly called "e-waste"), such as computer monitors, CPUs, VCRs, DVD players, and other small electronics.
- We have also contracted with a local vendor to provide ink and toner cartridge recycling services. Dade Recycling will place a bin at your school and then when the bin is full, they will pick it up and issue the school a check for the proceeds. It's as easy as that!
- Many schools also collect gently-worn shoes (Shoes for the Cure program), Capri Sun drink pouches, candy wrappers, and chip bags (TerraCycle's recycling program), and cell phones (using vendors like Schools4Recycling).
- Some schools have even begun experimenting with collecting and composting organics and food waste, which presents some interesting possibilities.
Who organizes a school's recycling efforts?
- There's no one answer to this question, but as a rule, collection and oversight is provided by staff and students (usually through an after-school or service-oriented club), with support from the school's administration and custodial staff. The most successful recycling programs also have parent and community involvement.
- Here are some tips for creating a recycling action plan:
- Create Recycling Teams to coordinate activities.
- Dress your Recycling Team in wearables that give them recognition and identity.
- Create banners and posters with your Recycling Vision or Message.
- Create contests and games around a recycling theme.
- Use appropriate decals and signage by your recycle bins.
- Each month put up a poster relating to a different recycling concern.
- Have a contest each month that relates to that month's recycling poster. A contest keeps the poster message alive.
- Have a contest that encourages each work area to improve its recycling conservation efforts. Give recognition for continuous achievement.
- Have a "Recycling Day Outing", creating a festive atmosphere that encourages everyone to participate in community recycling efforts. Use our handouts to reinforce this message.
Who pays for the recycling services?
- The District's utilities budget pays for the hauling service and lease fees associated with most of the recycling at a school, so there is no direct cost to the school.
What kinds of bins are available free from the District?
- Schools can receive 96-gallon blue wheeled carts (called "toters" - see photo in the right column) and once-per-week service for the collection of mixed commingled items. To order toters, please send your e-mail request to Christina Crespo.
- Schools can receive free deskside and central area collection bins (see photo in right column) in which to collect paper - these are ordered through the District and provided by the Solid Waste Authority. To order these bins, please send your e-mail request to Christina Crespo.
- Schools can also order free "paper only" dumpsters from a partner-vendor, SP Recycling, by submitting an order form and returning it directly to SP. SP pays our schools a rebate on the amount of paper they collect. Questions about the SP paper recycling program and rebates should be directed to 528@spnewsprint.com.
Where can my school purchase bins of other types?
- There are a number of vendors that sell recycling containers on bid with the District (which usually means we enjoy a sizeable discount). See the list of vendors and explore their offerings in the PeopleSoft Marketplace.
- If you are in need of specialty bins (e.g., for cell phone collection, novelty designs), here are some online vendors that offer a good selection of functional, cool-looking bins: