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Waste Reduction Opportunities |
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Based on the on-site assessment, identify all materials that could be targeted for waste reduction. For each waste type, list all potential waste prevention, recycling, and/or composting methods that could be effective. |
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Waste
Stream |
Potential
Opportunities for Waste Reduction |
Implementation
Strategy |
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Paper |
1.
Reduction of incoming
junk-mail 2.
Reduction of school
communications where applicable 3.
Double-side copying 4.
Recycle |
1.
Ask to be removed from mass mailing lists
that do not apply to education. Click here to read more about junk-mail reduction. 2.
Identify
communications which can be eliminated or minimized; Post on bulletin boards
or attach a routing slip; Identify electronic communication opportunities
where applicable. 3.
Most copiers include a
duplex option for creating two-sided copies. 4.
Create and participate
in recycling program. Use white paper instead of color paper to increase
value received for recycling. |
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Newspaper |
1.
Minimize where
possible |
1.
Participate in
newspaper recycling program. |
|
Cardboard |
1.
Purchase materials in
bulk where appropriate 2.
Return to supplier for
reuse 3.
Collect for reuse in
your own shipments 4.
Reuse 5.
Recycle |
1.
Develop purchasing
plan and work with supplier(s) for bulk purchases, incorporating a life-cycle
cost model. 2.
Contact supplier(s)
for return of the boxes for potential reuse. 3.
Designate an area for
collection of boxes for reusing in shipments, storing school materials,
etc. 4.
Contact possible
buyers of reusable boxes. 5.
Participate in
recycling program; Investigate the purchase of a cardboard baler. |
|
Paper Towels |
1.
Reduction/elimination
of paper towels 2.
Recycle 3.
Purchase/continue to
purchase recycled content towels |
1.
Communicate to
staff and students the environmental burden of paper towels and the need to
conserve; evaluate air dryers. 2.
Investigate
possible recycling opportunities. 3.
Identify
vendors that supply/incorporate required level of recycling content. |
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Magazines |
1.
Reduction of incoming
magazine subscriptions 2.
External use 3.
Recycle |
1. Identify magazine that can be eliminated or
minimized; Contact the magazine for subscription cancellation; Attach a
routing slip for those in the same area to eliminate duplicate copies;
Investigate possible electronic subscriptions. 2. Contact community organizations, nursing homes, and
institutions for potential reuse. 3. Participate in recycling program. |
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Folders |
1.
Elimination of folders
from waste stream |
1. Reuse folders if still in
good condition. 2.
Collect and recycle
with mixed paper. |
|
Binders |
1.
Elimination of binders
from waste stream |
1.
Reuse binders if still
in good condition. 2.
If binders are in
excess and are in good condition, donate to a community center. |
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Toner Cartridges |
1.
Elimination of toner
cartridges from waste stream |
1.
Collect and recycle
through supplier; Identify local recycler. |
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Polystyrene Packaging
Material (mold injection) |
1. Return to supplier for possible reuse |
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Polystyrene (Cups) |
1.
Elimination of all
cups from waste stream |
1.
Use reusable cups
instead of polystyrene. (This is
also good practice for paper or plastic products.) |
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Pop/Juice Plastic
Bottles (PET 1) |
1.
Elimination/reduction
of bottles from waste stream |
1.
Use materials to
create reusable crafts in classroom. 2.
Participate in
recycling program. |
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Aluminum Cans |
1.
Elimination of
aluminum cans from waste stream |
1.
Collect and establish
a can recycling program, nominal revenue stream; a can crusher in cafeteria
and teacher’s lounge can assist in minimizing space. |
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Light Bulbs |
1.
Minimization of light
bulbs generated |
1. Contact your local solid waste district
for collection sites. |
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Yard Trimmings |
1.
Elimination/reduction
of yard trimmings from waste stream |
1.
Review frequency of
practice; Compost on or off site. |