Going Green the Rockwood Way

Recycling at School - School Recycling Success Stories

January 2009

In early 2008, Rockwood School District took a green idea and ran with it.  They launched a comprehensive recycling program – also known as “single stream” recycling – in seven schools.  After a great start, they extended the program in August of 2008 to every building in the district.

Single stream recycling allows all recyclable materials to be tossed into the same container.  This means juice bottles, magazines, cardboard boxes, paper, and cans do not have to be sorted at the school.  Instead, they are sorted at a recycling facility.  Single stream recycling is easy, practical, and cost-effective.

The change to single stream recycling began when students voted “going green” their #1 priority.  When they saw the amount of recyclable materials being thrown into their garbage dumpsters, they knew it was time to take a stand. 

“After researching it, we found that about 90% of what is in a school trash can could be recycled,” said Mike Szydlowski, District Science Coordinator.  “We also felt that schools should be a model of environmental awareness for the community.”

Szydlowski presented the idea of single stream recycling to his open-minded administration and they accepted the challenge head-on.  They enlisted key players in their custodial, facilities, finance, nutrition, and science departments to manage a working plan to implement the program.

One element they found necessary to encourage ongoing participation and enthusiasm was recycling education for students, faculty, and staff.  The Rockwood District informed all parties involved of changes and maintained internal communication through e-mail and their intranet site.  Using posters and PowerPoint presentations aimed at younger audiences, they also kept students focused on the ultimate goal and renewed their sense of environmental stewardship.