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MI Green School Guide: project catalog
Waste sorting stations
Waste sorting stations are points where students can separate landfill waste from recyclables, like food scraps, glass, metal, paper, and plastics. Schools may use sorting stations at after-school events, in cafeterias, or in hallways. Even if some materials cannot be recycled in your area, learning how to sort waste is a great skill for students to practice at school. Engage your school community to determine sorting station locations, research what can and can't be recycled in your area, and design waste sorting stations that meet your needs.
Project category:
Reduce, reuse, recycle
This project impacts:
Academics and engagement
Operations and procurement
Cost scale:
$0 - free resources and recycled materials
$25 - $75 - minor purchases or fundraising necessary
$100 - $500 - significant fundraising necessary
Resources
For school leaders
- How to start school waste sorting stations (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program)
- Cafeteria Sorting Station Design Concepts (Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District)
- Signmaker – Custom recycling and composting sign maker (StopWaste)
- Cafeteria waste sorting signs (Seven Generations Ahead)