The Three R's

Schools can set an example for the whole community by reducing the amount of waste they produce.

To reduce the amount of materials used, your school can...

• Have students view information on a computer screen or projector instead of printing paper copies.
• Purchase supplies that come in as little packaging as possible.
• Host “waste–free” lunch days. See https://www.epa.gov/osw/education/lunch.htm for more information.

To reuse things instead of throwing them away, your school can...

• Set up boxes to collect scrap paper that has only been used on one side.
• Always print, copy, and write on both sides of a piece of paper.
• Create a school exchange where students can share supplies they no longer need with one another.

To promote recycling, your school can...

• Start or expand a recycling program.
• Contact community officials or a local recycling center to find out which items they will accept.
• Provide containers for collecting items like paper, bottles, cans, electronic equipment, and batteries.
• Keep track of how much is recycled.
• Hold a recycling competition.
• Start a volunteer program that picks up recyclables in parks or apartment buildings.

Check out these resources for more help:

• Reuse+Recycling=Waste Reduction: A Guide for Schools & Groups (PDF) (32 pp, 1.6MB, About PDF)
• Make a Difference in Your School: A How–to Guide for Engaging Students in Resource Conservation and Waste Reduction (PDF) (34 pp, 1.59MB)

« Go back