Goals
Reduce waste and increase recycling
Did you know?
- Every Chicago Public School can recycle paper, cardboard, newspaper, steel cans, plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and now milk cartons
. Learn more by reading the CPS Recycling Guide .
- Schools track how much they recycle online through the Weekly Recycling Report
.
- Students can earn Service Learning hours in Recycling Clubs
- Some schools compost food waste—outdoors or in worm bins—to reduce waste and teach students about decomposition.
- Teachers can find and share Free Things donated to CPS
- If CPS stacked up all the copy paper it uses each year, it would reach the top of the Sears-Willis Tower—eight times. Paper Waste Busters recognizes schools that save paper and buy paper with the most recycled content.
What can I do?
- Sign up for and run a Green Locker Clean Out at the end of the year. Reuse school supplies for next year, share with schools in need, and recycle papers with this handy guide
- Help your school earn Recycling Rewards and save natural resources by implementing Recycling Best Practices .
1) Containers – Keep a recycling bin and smaller garbage bin wherever recyclable waste is generated.
2) Collection – Once recyclables are separated by staff and students, make sure they are carted out the correct dumpsters.
3) Communication – Use posters, newsletters, assemblies, and P.A. announcements to share your school's commitment to recycling.
What are other Chicago Public Schools doing?
Read how Vaughn Occupational High School found ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.
For questions or suggestions, please contact recycling@cps.k12.il.us
Click the links below to learn environmental strategies about:
Transportation & Air
Land
Education & Engagement
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