CLASSROOM WASTE: AN IN DEPTH AUDIT

OUR MISSION

• Conduct an analysis of the waste generated in the classroom.

• Determine proper solutions to divert waste.

IS IT WORTHWHILE TO HAVE MORE RECYCLING BINS IN CLASSROOMS?

• Are there enough recyclables being generated?• Worthwhile to have more recycling bins in

classrooms?• How can we increase classroom bin usage?• Would more of an income be generated from

redeemables?• Would it cost more for redeemables pick up?• Would it cost less for waste pickup?• How much would more bins cost?• Can we get financial support for more bins?

PART ONE

• Lasted 3 weeks out of 6 weeks.• Consisted of collection, categorization, and

weighing of waste.• Used waste from one classroom each per week of

Sciences, Arts, Music, Math, and Technology.

MATERIALS USED

• Large blue tarp• Latex gloves• Spring weight scale• Garage bags• Skills

ANALYSIS OF WASTES

Weeks 1-3 Total Lbs in Subsections of Waste

Non Redeemables 18.05 lbsPaper 34.75 lbsOrganics 40.3 lbsRedeemables 9.95 lbsActual Waste 26.7 lbs

ANALYSIS OF WASTES RECLYLCABLES

Actual Waste vs. Recyclables (3 Weeks)

Actual Waste 26.7 lbs

Divertable

79% of what we throw out can be diverted from the landfill

103.05 lbs

PART 2

• Lasted for 3 weeks• Analyzed data and came up with conclusions to

our questions.

CONCLUSIONS

• Is there enough recyclables being generated?Yes, 79% of classroom waste can be recycled.• Could more of an income be generated from

redeemable items?• Yes. On average we receive $75 a month. Can

increase to approx. $100/month extra. Which means we can generate a higher income without any pick up costs

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

• Have more recycling bins in classrooms• Have bins for different types of recycling

(redeemable, non-redeemable, paper, compost)• Relocate bins for maximize usage.• Cut down number of garbage cans (unnecessary

amount of bags being used)• Promote recycling• Bins:

http://www.uline.ca/BL_8793/Office-Recycling-Containers?keywords=recycling bins

SOLUTION: GARBAGE BINS

• Cut down on number of garbage bins: less plastic bags, less temptation• Relocate classroom recycling bins to location of

garbage bins: no excuse for throwing away recyclables.

SOLUTION: RECYCLING BINS

• http://www.uline.ca/BL_8793/Office-Recycling-Containers?keywords=recycling bins • Cost?• $7.15 per unit, per classroom equaling $1390.50• How can we pay for it?• School spends 1200$ monthly on waste

collection. Judging by our results, we could safely remove the collection of one of the bins, cutting the cost by 400$ per month, or 4800$ yearly.• The cost of bins can be paid off in a little over 3

months.

SOLUTION: PROMOTE RECYCLING

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWia4AhrxRk&list=UUJE9Myl9NacVWZJJHiyzTGg&index=14

SAVING THE PLANET

• 63 pounds of recyclables were thrown out over the 3 weeks from 14 different classrooms.• Nearly 150 classrooms equaling out to 675

pounds for every classroom over 3 weeks, or 9000 pounds yearly. • We could help the planet by keeping these items

out of the landfill and recycling them.