Economics, Challenges, and Tips: School Recycling

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California Integrated Waste Management Board

Costs, Economics, and Benefits

Establishing any program takes money and effort. Up-front costs will come with new bins, staff, and teacher training; student education and awareness activities; and administrative time to establish and manage the program. Ongoing costs of collection and sorting efforts are typically minimal compared to the savings from diversion and income realized from the recycled materials.

A number of ways exist to cover the financial costs of initial recycling efforts and program operation support. Creative partnerships with businesses, students, and members of the public are a good place to start the recycling and diversion program.

The community’s waste haulers and recyclers can help establish recycling programs. Haulers can provide bins for classrooms and offices, central collection receptacles, and transportation of the recyclable materials to recycling facilities. Recyclers specializing in redemption materials and other marketable materials can be contacted regarding pickup of large volumes of materials on a regular schedule or on an as-needed basis.

In just its second year, Desert Sands Unified School District was able to save enough in avoided disposal costs to more than pay for the program’s full-time staff member. The district saved an additional $57,000, which it transferred to the school discretionary budgets based upon participation. Each school received funds ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, with a high of $7,000.

School recycling is not only effective in achieving diversion, it can also be economical for the schools involved. Programs that rely upon students and teachers without requiring additional staff time should pay for themselves and result in avoided disposal costs for the school district or facility. A key to success is making sure the program is properly documented and that the waste disposal contract is based on actual volumes disposed.

La Mesa Spring Valley School District’s comprehensive program has saved/earned $116,577 in one year of operation. The district operates a comprehensive program, including parents as well as other traditional school partners. In just one year, the district diverted more than190 tons of materials including more than 1,250 cubic yards of polystyrene.

Challenges and Opportunities

A key challenge in school recycling programs is maintaining motivation. Although a motivated person can get an entire program off the ground, a sustained program requires many individuals-particularly since student and parental involvement will change over time. A broad range of participation from recyclers, administrators, educators, students, custodians, and parents is critical.

Tips for Replication

Implement the program in phases so that it may be easily changed or updated.

Consider ways to involve students in the recycling program. Make sure the level of participation by the students is appropriate based upon their grade level.

Monitor progress by surveying students, faculty, and staff and by tracking diversion and disposal data. This will help accommodate expansion or changes to the program.

Developing school programs similar to the local curbside recycling program will promote greater participation at the home.