A school recycling program can be as small as one class room and its students or as big as the entire school and everyone who works or attends classes at that site.

A good first step when planning your recycling program is to understand what your staff and students throw away and where they dispose of these materials. The information you gather will help you to plan your program.

To find out what people dispose of you will need to talk to your students and staff. There are several methods to use including group meetings, lunch and learns or surveys to learn what materials staff and students dispose of and what they think about a recycling program.

Meeting with your facilities management or janitorial team will also help you to know where waste is produced and collected.

Understanding where waste is collected and what types of materials (plastics, aluminium cans, organics, paper) your staff and students bring to and dispose of in your facility will help you to develop your recycling program.

The information you learn will also help you to put recycling and waste bins at the best collection points. These areas can include classrooms, admin offices, staff rooms, canteens, gymnasiums, stock rooms, storage areas, change rooms, washrooms, dorms and sports fields.

Working with your students, teachers, cafeteria staff and facilities management team will give you valuable insight into what is needed to develop a successful recycling program.