Boosting Community Involvement in Your Recycling Program

Recycling at School - School Recycling Success Stories

These tips apply to paper recycling programs but are applicable to other recycling projects as well!

• Brainstorm a list of potential community participants: nursing homes, businesses, residents, print shops, doctors' offices. Don't forget neighboring subdivisions' community newsletters or homeowner's associations.
• Contact local civic groups that may help support your program and assist you in collecting tons of recycled paper resources.
• Use scouts or other service project oriented groups to distribute flyers to all parents and community residences.
• Plan a paper drive as part of PTA.
• Decorate paper bags or cardboard boxes with recycling and earth friendly art for students to bring to local businesses or take home to fill with acceptable paper.
• Publicize your program in your school newsletter or community newspaper with frequent reminders..
• Plan an event — science night or PTO night — where a booth or activity can stimulate awareness of your program. RSP has resources to help!
• Advertise recycling on the marquee at the entrance of your school.
• Schedule regular drop-off days with student volunteers on hand to take paper from parents for "Drive-Thru" recycling.
• Present the recycling program to faculty and staff to be sure everyone is informed as to acceptable items, etc