September 2012
Dear class parents:
Last year a comprehensive recycling program was implemented in the Park Ridge School District with
Environmental Awareness Challenge Grants from the Bergen County Utility Authority (BCUA) and generous
support from the West Ridge and East Brook PTOs. Based on the success of the program the schooled district will
save $7,000 on the waste contract for the upcoming school year. This savings will continue to increase as we
further reduce our garbage disposal and increase our recyclables.
As class parents you play an important role in supporting the recycling program by planning financially and
environmentally responsible class parties. This is achieved by purchasing supplies for that are recyclable and
produce the least amount of landfill waste and ensuring all recyclable materials are properly recycled. Included
below is a list of materials which can be recycled in the Park Ridge School district. Each of the classrooms and
offices in the elementary schools are equipped with labeled recycling bins for paper and comingles. Larger
containers for use in the class room and outdoors can be requested in advance from the school custodians.
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Paper
Comingles (glass, plastic, and cans with a recyclable symbol)
Cardboard
Electronics
Scap metal
We would like to thank you for your support of this program and contributions to its success. Please contact the
PR Green Team with any questions, comments, or suggestions at greenteam@parkridgeboro.com or directly to
Danielle Cawood at cawooddl@gmail.com..
Sincerely,
The Park Ridge Green Team
Overview of Recycling Program
Paper
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school paper
office paper
newspaper
magazines
junk mail
paperback books
brown paper bags
tissue boxes
cereal boxes
other small cardboard
paper towels
Blue recycling bins are located in each classroom, office, trailer, the
teacher/faculty lounge, and the library to collect paper.
It is recommended that the blue paper recycling bin be located next to
the garbage, and comingle bins in a visible easy to access area of the
classroom. This will help ensure that only paper is included in the bin
and no paper is thrown away in the garbage. Having bins located in a
highly visible area will facilitate use and allow students and teachers to
monitor usage.
Paper towels used to dry hands can also be recycled with paper.
It is also recommended that a paper recycling bin be located next
photocopiers.
In addition to recycling paper all students, teachers, and staff are
encouraged to reduce the amount of paper consumed by using both
sides and reusing paper materials when possible.
Comingles
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soda cans
glass bottles and jars
tin or aluminum food cans
all plastic bottles
plastic cups
yogurt container
any containers with a recycle
symbol on the bottom
Green bins specifically dedicated to the collection of comingle items
are located in the classrooms, kitchen/multipurpose room,
teacher/faculty lounge, PTO kitchen, and the trailers.
Cardboard
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corrugated cardboard
cardboard boxes
all other cardboard
Electronics
Scrap Metal
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aluminum items
appliance made of steel
Plastic Bags
Please bring cardboard to the custodian room for recycling. Small
cardboard can be included with paper recycling.
Please bring electronics to the custodian room for recycling.
Please bring scrap metal to the custodian room for recycling
Although we recognize that many zip lock and other types of plastic
bags are used regularly, plastic bags are not currently included in the
recycling program. All teachers, staff, and students are encouraged to
collect clean plastic bags for reuse or bring them to the many local
stores that accept them for recycling (A&P, Staples, Shop Rite, etc.)
As you plan your parties throughout the school year, the following are some suggestions that
can help generate less waste.
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Provide finger foods that require no utensils and can be served on napkins or paper towels which can be
included in the paper recyclables.
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Purchase drinks in recyclable containers with the least amount of packaging. For example individual juice
boxes and Capri Sun packages are disposed in the trash. Drinks purchased in large half gallon plastic
containers can be recycled as can many plastic cups.
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If disposable plates must be used, avoid colorfully decorated plates (which are plastic coated and must be
thrown in the trash.) Choose plain, uncoated plates, which can be included in paper recyclables. Avoid
styrofoam and plastic without recyclable symbols.
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If you are using table coverings, avoid plastic tablecloths that are disposable.
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Almost all packaging around individual servings of purchased snacks is trash. Homemade goodies or
snacks purchased in bulk (without individual wrappers) generate less waste.