Want to start or improve a recycling program at your school? Click here for an overview of the services and resources available to your school - then follow the steps below!
1) Organize a Recycling Team and obtain support from school administrators.
- The best teams have students, teachers, principals, administrative staff and parents who are all willing to help. But, even just a few dedicated people can make a big difference.
- A team or club name helps liven things up and each member should have a role. For example:
- Coordinators can make sure that there are centralized recycling carts in the right places and oversee collection.
- Outreach members can help spread the word and encourage recycling.
- Artists can make creative signs and posters to show people how and what to recycle.
- Recyclers can make sure that the bins are being used properly, take materials to a centralized collection location and place the centralized recycling cart(s) on the curb each week.
2) Call (408) 730-7484 or email us to request recycling services.
You may request any of the following recycling collection services:
No Fee for Service
Schools are responsible for placing recyclables (including what's collected in classrooms) in the centralized paper & cans/bottles recycling carts and for placing these carts at your garbage enclosure area or at the curb for collection. The recycling carts are emptied by Specialty on each Tuesday.
- 32- or 64-gallon Carts for Mixed Paper: We accept white and colored paper, newspaper, construction paper, phone books, paperboard, envelopes, folders, etc. No paper contaminated with food, liquids, glue, paint, etc.
- 96-gallon Carts for Food & Beverage Containers: We accept aluminum & tin food/beverage containers, glass food/beverage containers, and all
plastic (#1-7) food/beverage containers. No ceramics, window glass, or pyrex.
(See image of recycling carts available)
Click here for a sign you can post on the paper recycling container in your classroom.
Fee for Service
- 3 or 6 Cubic Yard Bins for Corrugated Cardboard: We accept flattened, clean corrugated cardboard only. No packaging, waxed cardboard, or cardboard contaminated with food, liquids, etc. Effective through June 30, 2008, a monthly bin rental fee of $8.87 per bin will apply.
Temporary Container Deliveries for Special Events:
No Fee for Service
- Use of Recycling and Garbage Containers: We can provide cardboard, garbage containers and Link-a-Bag or Clear Stream recycling containers for use at your special event. Delivery and pick up of the containers as well as liners are provided free of charge. Your school is responsible for disposing of any garbage generated by your event. We can pick up recyclables or they can be recycled by the event coordinators.
- Athletic Shoe Reuse and Recycling:
We can provide flyers, recycling containers, service and signage for collecting athletic shoes at your special event (e.g. school walk-a-thons). Shoes are either distributed locally or abroad for reuse by From Our Feet or recycled through Nike's Reuse-a-Shoe Program. From Our Feet (email) can also organize a correspondence program between the students donating the shoes and those receiving them. Filled athletic shoe recycling crates will be collected by City staff at the conclusion of your special event.
One of the most important aspects of a successful school recycling program is communication--that is making sure everyone knows how the program works and who is responsible for the different elements of the program.