Recycling – Part I: What we can recycle

Big T has single stream recycling through Waste Management. All classrooms have a bin for our recycling, and students currently take turns helping to take out the recycling to the recycling dumpster each week.

Here’s what we can recycle at Big T:

Containers – Please empty and rinse all containers and remove lids
• Glass Bottles and Jars
• Plastic Bottles and Containers, # 1-7
• Aluminum and Tin Cans
Papers – Please make sure these are dry
• White and Colored Paper (no fluorescent colors please)
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Junk Mail
• Envelopes
• Brochures and Pamphlets
• Books
• Computer Printouts
• Carbonless Receipts
• Coated Paper and Paperboard (like cereal and tissue boxes)
• Manuals with Glue Bindings
• File Folders

Here’s what has to be thrown away at Big T:
• Candy Wrappers
• Carbon Paper
• Carpet or Cloth
• Food Soiled Cardboard (like pizza boxes)
• Food or any Organic Waste
• Liquids
• Plastic Bags and Saran Wrap
• Plates or Dishes
• Used paper cups and paper plates
• Used Paper Towels, Napkins, or Tissues
• Waxed Cardboard (like most frozen dinner boxes)
• Waxed Paper
• Wet or Soiled Paper
• Styrofoam

Note that we cannot recycle plastic bags at Big T, though many grocery stores will recycle them and most second-hand stores will take ones in good condition to re-use.

There are lots of gray areas in the world of recycling, so we at Big T are doing our best not to contaminate our recycling stream so that it won’t go to the landfill instead! Ask your student what things they look out for when checking the recycling before taking it out at the end of the week, and stay tuned for tips about how to recycle more effectively next time!

(This week's Nature and Science Corner)