Recycling in Schools
All schools
in New York City are required by law to recycle. Campus schools that house multiple schools or programs must institute recycling collection throughout the entire building.
Principals, custodians, food service staff, teachers, and students all have responsibilities to make sure that materials designated for recycling are kept separate from garbage and properly placed out for Department of Sanitation collection. To find out what Sanitation does with the recyclables it collects, go to What Happens to Recyclables?
The information below will help your school implement a successful recycling program. Use this simple guide as a checklist to ensure that every area of your school is correctly set up for recycling. Remember, recycling properly at school teaches students their responsibilities under NYC law, helping to raise their civic and environmental awareness.
How to set up your school’s recycling program
School recycling program checklist
Recycling decals and educational resources
ALSO SEE NYC
recycling law and the Department of Education Chancellor's regulations for public schools.
Show us your school's recycling program! TrashMasters! Super Recyclers rewards schools in each borough with cash prizes for model school recycling programs that comply with Department of Sanitation regulations. See Golden Apple Awards contest information for details.
How to set up your school's recycling program
See a list of what to recycle in schools.
Work with the building custodian
Set up containers for recycling
Inform administration, teachers, kitchen staff, and students
WORK WITH THE CUSTODIAN
- Identify storage areas for recyclables—inside or outside, on each floor or in a central location.
- Ensure recyclables are collected in clear bags from each room.
- Place recyclables at the curb in clear bags. (Note: It is illegal to place recyclables at the curb in black bags.)
SET UP CONTAINERS FOR RECYCLING
- Place containers near where recyclables are generated. For example, place paper-recycling containers near copiers, and recycling containers for bottles and cans near vending machines.
- Any type of container can be used for recycling—you can even use labeled cardboard boxes.
- Post signs explaining what to recycle near every container.
Note: The Department of Sanitation does not provide recycling or garbage containers. Your custodian or principal can purchase recycling bins through standard Department of Education contracts. See the school materials request form to order free recycling decals and signs.
INFORM ADMISTRATION, TEACHERS, KITCHEN STAFF, AND STUDENTS
- Circulate an annual reminder to teachers and all staff about what and how to recycle.
- Explain to students what and how to recycle in classrooms, cafeterias, and common areas.
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School recycling program checklist
See a list of what to recycle in schools.
Recycling in classrooms and school offices
Recycling in the teachers’ lounge/cafeteria
Recycling in the cafeteria
Recycling in the school kitchen
Recycling storage areas
RECYCLING IN CLASSROOMS AND SCHOOL OFFICES
Recycle mixed paper and corrugated cardboard:
Put all paper into GREEN-labeled recycling containers.
Line recycling containers with CLEAR bags.
Place garbage container nearby to avoid contamination.
Keep corrugated cardboard boxes separate for recycling.
RECYCLING IN THE TEACHERS’ LOUNGE/CAFETERIA
Recycle mixed paper and cardboard:
Put all paper into GREEN-labeled recycling containers.
Keep cardboard boxes separate for recycling.
Recycle metal cans & foil; plastic bottles & jugs; glass bottles & jars; milk & juice cartons; and drink boxes (empty food or beverages from all containers):
Put all cans and bottles into BLUE-labeled recycling containers.
Line recycling containers with CLEAR bags.
Place garbage container nearby to avoid contamination.
RECYCLING IN THE CAFETERIA
Recycle metal cans & foil; plastic bottles & jugs; glass bottles & jars; milk & juice cartons; and drink boxes (empty food or beverages from all containers):
Empty leftover liquids into a separate bucket.
Put all bottles, cans, foil & beverage cartons into BLUE-labeled recycling containers.
Line recycling containers with CLEAR bags.
Place garbage container nearby to avoid contamination.
RECYCLING IN THE SCHOOL KITCHEN
Recycle metal cans & foil; plastic bottles & jugs; glass bottles & jars; milk & juice cartons; and drink boxes (empty food or beverages from all containers):
Put all metal, glass & plastic recyclables into BLUE-labeled recycling containers.
Line recycling containers with CLEAR bags.
Place garbage container nearby to avoid contamination.
Recycle corrugated cardboard, paper egg cartons, paper packaging, and mixed paper:
Put recyclable paper into GREEN-labeled recycling containers.
Put wax- and plastic-coated paper packaging in the regular garbage.
Flatten and stack corrugated cardboard boxes for recycling.
RECYCLING STORAGE AREAS
Keep recyclables separate from garbage at indoor or outdoor storage areas:
Label the Recycling Area.
Collect and store all recyclables in CLEAR bags.
Set recyclables out at the curb in CLEAR bags for collection.
Flatten and tie corrugated cardboard into bundles no more than 18” high.
Recycle bulk metal (metal furniture, file cabinets, appliances*) by placing at the curb beside other recyclables.
* Before discarding refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, water coolers, and other appliances containing CFC gas, call 311 to make an appointment for removal of the CFC gas. For safety reasons, remove doors from refrigerators and freezers before placing out for disposal.
Note: Buildings that use dumpsters for mechanized collection of garbage and of paper recyclables may receive curbside collection of CLEAR bags containing metal, glass, plastic & beverage carton recyclables.
Call 311 if you have any problems or questions about Department of Sanitation collection of your recyclables.
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ALSO SEE resources for schools to find recycling decals, flyers, and educational materials available free of charge for schools in New York City.
Schools in NYC can win cash prizes for their recycling, waste prevention, and cleanup programs. See Golden Apple Awards contest information for details.
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