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.