Brochure
[Cover]
Organics Recycling
at
Insert School Name Here
Information for teachers, parents and students about our new program to turn food scraps
and non-recyclable paper waste into compost.
[Inside flap]
It’s estimated that 80 percent of school waste is recyclable or compostable. By adding
organics to our recycling program we can greatly improve our school’s environmental
performance.
Organics—food scraps and food-soiled & non-recyclable paper—are a resource, not a
waste. Instead of taking up space in a landfill or being burned in an incinerator, organics
can be turned into compost. Organics recycling can lessen the impacts of climate change.
By composting organics, you reduce the creation of methane at landfills. Methane is a
potent greenhouse gas that has twenty times more heat trapping potential than carbon
dioxide.
So let’s put our waste to work. Compost is a valuable resource used in landscaping and
road construction projects. This valuable compost can be used to replenish our soils,
reduce soil erosion and prevents polluted stormwater runoff from contaminating our
lakes, rivers and streams.
[Inside spread]
How will it work in our school?
Use this space to explain what specific changes will be made in the school. For example:
Organics bins have been added to the lunchroom. Staff and students will separate their
trash into three bins: organics, recycling and trash. In addition, paper towels and tissues
in the restrooms will be added to the organics bin. Recycling bins have been added to
staff areas and classrooms for paper and cans and bottles.
How to treat your trash?
Think Recycling first
 All paper: old
assignments,
notebooks, mail,
magazines,
newspapers &
inserts, etc.
 Metal cans
 Plastic bottles
 Fruit and yogurt cups
 Glass bottles
 Cardboard
 Milk cartons & juice
boxes
Organics second
All food scraps:
 Fruit and
vegetables
 Meat, fish and
bones
 Bread, pasta, and
baked goods
 Egg shells
 Dairy products
 Coffee grounds
Trash last
Plastic:
o Bags
o Utensils
o Straws
o Wrappers





Foil wrappers
Candy wrappers
Chip bags
Styrofoam
Frozen food boxes
Food-soiled & nonrecyclable paper products:
 Paper towels &
napkins
 Waxed paper
 Parchment paper
 Uncoated paper
plates & cups
Questions about the program?
Insert contact person and phone number, website address
[Sign-off panel]
What can you do at home to help?
 When packing lunches and snacks, use reusable containers and waxed paper.
Avoid disposable packaging and plastic bags.
 Review your city’s recycling guide and recycle as much as you can.
 If the program is available in your community, participate in curbside organic
recycling. If it isn’t available, contact your city council and let them know you are
interested in having the service added to your community recycling program.
Insert school logo and/or name here. You can also use this space to promote other
environment initiative happen at your school.
H logo and organics logo
This program is funded in part by a grant from Hennepin County.
Printed on recycled paper. (if applicable)