4+R's

=**Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rethink**=

[|Definition of the 4 R's] by Stony Brook University

[|Links to Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Themed websites]

[|epa.gov website]

Opportunities to reduce waste exist throughout schools and school districts. Below are some waste reduction ideas for various areas of schools:

CLASSROOMS

Waste Prevention • Minimize handouts distributed • Give assignments that do not need to be written • Copy and print on both sides of the paper • Spell check and proof documents on screen • Use the Internet for research assignments instead of magazines and newspapers • Post assignments and documents online • Copy materials onto a CD or flash drive • Use supplies purchased in bulk

Reuse or Donation • Keep a scrap paper box • Reuse school supplies, such as folders and binders • Create a school supply exchange • Collect unclaimed items from lockers at the end of the year to donate or reuse • Reuse or donate used textbooks

Recycling • Provide separate containers for recyclable materials and trash • Recycle white paper • Recycle mixed paper • Return toner cartridges to the manufacturer or vendor for remanufacturing • Recycle out-of-date textbooks

Buy Recycled • Buy and use school supplies with recycled content

SCHOOL OFFICES

Waste Prevention • Copy and print on both sides of the paper • Spell check and proof documents on screen • Copy materials onto a CD or flash drive • Update mailing lists to avoid unnecessary mailings • Print addresses directly on envelopes instead of using labels • Use smaller envelopes • Replace fax cover sheets with “stick-on” information • Route memos electronically • Maintain a centralized filing system • Buy and use supplies purchased in bulk • Buy and use copiers and printers with the ability to copy on both sides of the paper • Repair broken equipment

Reuse or Donation • Reuse incoming packaging for outgoing shipments • Reuse office supplies, such as folders and binders • Establish “clean out the office” days and reuse the collected materials

Recycling • Provide separate containers for recyclable materials and trash • Recycle white paper • Recycle mixed paper • Return toner cartridges to the manufacturer or vendor for remanufacturing • Establish “clean out the office” days and recycle the collected materials

Buy Recycled • Buy and use office supplies with recycled content

LIBRARY

Waste Prevention • Adjust the number of magazine and newspaper subscriptions to meet school needs • Consider online subscriptions to reference materials, magazines, and newspapers

Reuse or Donation • Start a book and magazine exchange • Donate old magazines for art projects

CAFETERIA/KITCHEN

Waste Prevention • Buy food in bulk • Use bulk dispensers for condiments • Implement an “offer versus serve” program [Note: In an “offer versus serve” program, students select only the foods they intend to eat, reducing the amount of food thrown away.] • Promote waste-free lunches [Note: On a waste-free lunch day, students and staff bring or buy a lunch where everything can be eaten, reused, recycled, or composted.]

Reuse or Donation • Encourage students and staff to bring lunch from home in a reusable lunch bag • Use washable, durable trays, utensils, and dishware • Offer mugs to employees • Donate edible food to shelters • Use inedible food as animal feed • Compost food scraps to use on school grounds [Note: check local regulations before starting a composting program.]

Recycling • Recycle: o plastic bottles o glass bottles o aluminum, steel, and tin cans o food for composting o cardboard o boxboard o grease and oil o juice boxes and milk containers

OTHER

Waste Prevention • Involve school clubs in waste reduction programs • Use cloth-towel machines or air dryers in restrooms rather than paper towels

Reuse or Donation • Donate used furnishings and equipment • Find a new use for older computers and cell phones

Recycling • Place recycling bins in convenient locations • Recycle computers or cell phones that are no longer functional