Why Recycle?

Today the average Clackamas County citizen produces about 9 pounds of trash a day. Landfilling items that could be recycled or composted is costly, uses limited fossil fuels, increases air pollution and wastes resources. In 2004, we recovered almost 3/5 of that amount through recycling and composting, but we can do even better. Paper and food waste are still the largest components of most schools' garbage. Recycling reduces pollution to air, water and soil, protects habitat, creates jobs, conserves natural resources, saves energy and helps sustain our environment.

Preparing Recyclables

• Mixed Paper
  The big no-no's are glitter and oil based paint. Also don't include tissue paper, food contaminated paper, paper towels and napkins, paper plates and cups, waxy paper, plastic coated paper, refrigerator or freezer boxes, and ream wrappers.
• Newspaper
  Recycle with mixed paper.
• Magazines
  Recycle with mixed paper.
• Corrugated Cardboard
  Flatten and place in cardboard bin. Corrugated has a wavy middle layer.
• Tin cans
  Rinse & flatten.
• Plastic bottles with threaded neck or neck smaller than base
  Rinse & flatten.
• Glass Bottles & Jars
  Rinse & recycle separately from other items.
• Computer printer cartridges
  Collect them from within your school and from your community. Recycling computer printer cartridges is a very simple process and your school will earn money by doing it.
• Grass clippings and landscaper waste
  Compost them!
• Batteries
  Electronics stores will usually recycle nickel cadmium and other rechargeable batteries. Check www.rbrc.org to find the closest place.

Recycling at the end of the year: During locker clean-out, place extra recycling bins in the hallways, next to garbage cans. Clearly label the bins with signs and designate monitors to make sure students recycle as much as possible. Then remind students and staff to recycle. (See our End of the School Year Recycling Guide.)