10 Tips to Starting an Effective Elementary or Secondary School Recycling Program
Elementary and secondary schools produce significant amounts of waste — much of which is easily recyclable with the right systems in place. A strong recycling program can dramatically reduce landfill-bound trash and ensure recyclable items are transformed into new products.
Consider these facts:
- The average secondary school generates 22 kg of waste per student each academic year. For primary schools, that number climbs to 45 kg per student.
- Paper makes up at least 40% of a typical school’s waste stream.
- Glass and plastic beverage containers account for about 15%, and recycling just one glass bottle saves enough energy to power a 100-watt light bulb for four hours.
- According to Regional Recycling, a beverage container recycling program could add up to $70,000 to your district’s annual budget.
When a school implements an effective recycling program, it not only reduces waste but also sets a community standard — helping shape environmentally conscious future leaders.
1. Do Some Background Research
Start by reviewing any past recycling efforts. Identify what worked well and what challenges arose.
Familiarize yourself with local waste and recycling laws to ensure your program complies with all regulations. Research what types of waste your school generates and confirm which streams local waste management companies collect, including pickup frequency and diversion costs.
You should also explore local, state/provincial, or national grants that can help offset implementation costs. Once your research is complete, you’ll have the foundation to build an effective plan.
2. Perform a Waste Audit
Begin by mapping your school grounds — classrooms, cafeterias, hallways, outdoor areas, and more — and note what types of waste are produced in each area.
Then, review your school’s waste data from the past 12 months to determine:
- How much waste is produced
- How often it’s collected
- Where it goes after leaving the school
- What steps have already been taken to reduce, reuse, and recycle
This audit will help you identify key opportunities for waste reduction and diversion.
3. Build a Green Team
A Green Team — made up of staff, students, and community volunteers — plays a crucial role in creating momentum and maintaining engagement. This team should educate, empower, and inspire the school community to adopt sustainable habits.
4. Consult Your Custodians
Custodians are the frontline experts of any recycling program. They understand daily waste patterns and can provide invaluable insights on collection logistics, contamination risks, and maintenance needs.
Involving custodians early helps ensure:
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Operational efficiency through smart bin placement and collection schedules
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Reduced contamination thanks to better signage and bin design
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Greater ownership and enthusiasm for the program’s success
Partnering with custodial staff from the beginning creates a foundation for lasting efficiency.
5. Communicate with Students and Staff
Educate your entire school community about the recycling initiative — and make it fun!
A great resource is EcoSchools Canada, which helps K–12 schools build sustainable programs through certification, training, and community partnerships. While based in Canada, their approach offers valuable insights for schools anywhere.
To keep recycling visible and engaging:
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Use clear signage with images showing what belongs in each bin.
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Incorporate announcements, posters, and contests to reinforce participation.
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Encourage parent involvement through newsletters, your website, or social media updates.
6. Modify Operational Habits
Small changes in daily routines can lead to big waste reductions. Consider these ideas:
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Use biodegradable or reusable food containers in cafeterias.
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Encourage reusable lunch containers from home.
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Replace bottled water sales with refill stations and distribute reusable bottles.
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Add recycling stations in high-traffic areas with eye-catching signage.
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Default printers to double-sided printing and move toward digital communication.
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Hold classroom recycling contests to make participation exciting.
7. Start a Beverage Container Recycling Program
Paper, cans, and bottles are the cornerstones of school recycling. Many organizations will pay schools for recyclable bottles and cans, creating both environmental and financial benefits. As mentioned earlier, such a program could add up to $70,000 annually to your district’s budget.
8. Address Single-Use Plastics and Organics
Reducing single-use plastics is a major step forward. For example, Ursuline Secondary School in Blackrock, Ireland, eliminated disposable water bottles by giving students reusable stainless-steel bottles — cutting about 500 plastic bottles per month!
If composting is available, work with haulers to collect organic waste like food scraps and yard debris. If not, explore on-site composting or compostable food service ware made from biobased materials.
For more guidance, check out our post: Food for Thought: A Breakdown of Organic Waste Programs & Regulations.
9. Re-Evaluate Disposal Habits
Modern waste management isn’t just about hauling — it’s about smart diversion.
Food waste is a major contributor to school garbage. Consider partnering with organic waste haulers or investing in food composters to reduce landfill volume. You might even start a school garden using composted material — a hands-on educational opportunity that benefits both students and the environment.
10. Choose the Right Recycling Stations and Placement
Container choice and placement are key to success. Always keep trash, recycling, and compost bins together — when bins are separated, contamination rises dramatically.
When selecting stations, consider:
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Placement: Are they visible and accessible?
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Climate: Can they withstand local weather?
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Capacity: Match size to location needs.
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Restrictive openings: Use shape-specific lids to reduce contamination.
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Signage: Bright colors and visuals work well, especially for younger students.
Every trash bin should have a recycling (and, ideally, compost) companion. Place stations in high-traffic areas like cafeterias and entrances — ideally, one should always be visible within 25 feet.
Get Started
Launching a school waste management program takes effort, but it’s worth it. Once your system is in place, you’ll quickly find new opportunities to improve, reduce costs, and strengthen community pride.
Need help getting started?
Contact our School Waste Management Specialists for personalized support on creating your school’s path to waste management excellence.
Key Takeaways (TL;DR)
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Schools generate a lot of recyclable waste. The average student produces 22–45 kg of waste per year — much of which can be diverted from landfills.
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Start with research and a waste audit. Understand your current waste streams, local recycling laws, and available grants before building your program.
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Empower a Green Team. Teachers, students, and custodians working together drive participation and long-term success.
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Communication is everything. Use signage, announcements, and fun activities to keep recycling visible and engaging for everyone.
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Make small operational shifts. Switch to reusable or compostable materials, double-sided printing, and water refill stations.
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Focus on high-impact materials. Launch a beverage container recycling program — it can even generate income for your school.
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Cut single-use plastics and start composting. Reducing disposables and managing food waste helps lower costs and your environmental footprint.
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Choose the right bins, in the right places. Always group recycling, compost, and trash together with clear signage to minimize contamination.
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Continuous improvement matters. Once your recycling program is running, keep auditing, optimizing, and celebrating progress.
