• Recycling Programs for Schools
• Recycling Activities and Projects

The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Energy (MOEB) will be enacting regulations that will require schools with enrolments of 350 or more students to do waste audits and implement waste reduction plans. For more information on the regulations, please call the MOEB at:

(416) 323-5898 or 1-800-565- 4860.

The following are suggestions that can be implemented around the school.

• use double-sided photocopies to reduce paper consumption. circulate memos via routing slips instead of sending out individual copies.
  
• use overheads, marker boards, or blackboards instead of paper flipcharts in meetings. convey messages via homeroom representatives or over the public address system. purchase office and classroom supplies in bulk.

• use refillable pens and pencils
  
• reuse old cardboard boxes for storage or for packaging outgoing materials. reuse file folders by reversing the folders or applying new labels. reuse envelopes for internal mailings or filing.
  
• post announcements on central message boards.
  
• use single-sided sheets of paper as scrap paper for calculations or rough notes. send used books and office equipment to a local charity or social service agency.
  
• form a waste exchange within the school or among several schools to enable students and staff to find new homes for unwanted books, clothing, jewellery, sports equipment and other items.
  
• take advantage of "student power" (i.e. students in detention could spend the time repairing damaged furniture or sorting items for recycling).

• set up bins for fine paper and blue box recyclables in offices and classrooms. try vermicomposting (composting with worms) small quantities of food scraps in the classroom, perhaps as part of a science project.
  
• close the loop: purchase office and classroom supplies such as writing paper,books, paints, and toner cartridges that have recycled or refurbished content.

• use pump dispensers for ketchup, mustard and other condiments.use bulk dispensers for milk, soft drinks, coffee, tea, etc.
• use ceramic mugs and dishes, and stainless steel cutlery instead of disposables.
• use cloth towels in place of paper towels.
• use non-toxic alternatives to commercial cleaners, pesticides and other such products.

Recycle

• set up recycling bins for cans and bottles in convenient locations.
• educate students, teachers and janitorial staff to separate food wastes from recyclables and garbage for composting.
• set up a three-bin compostmg unit outdoors (or do vennicomposting indoors) for food and yard wastes.
• plant a vegetable or wildflower garden and get students to care for it.
• use finished compost to improve the soil in the garden or use it on school grounds.

FURTHER RESOURCES

Ontario Waste Exchange (OWE) - (416) 822-4111 ext. 354 or 656

The OWE matches waste generators with potential end-users; it helps businesses find buyers for hazardous, liquid industrial, and solid non-hazardous wastes.

Contact your municipal waste reduction coordinator for information on local waste reduction initiatives or applicable by-laws. You can contact the RCO (contact information below) or the

Association of Municipal Recycling Coordinators (AMRC) at (519) 823-1990 for your local contact and additional resource materials.