Start a School Recycling Program - Fairfax County, Virginia

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All Fairfax County schools are required to recycle mixed paper and cardboard. You can learn more about the existing school's program online. If you wish to collect additional materials, read on!

Start Here

1. Talk to your principal or program manager about starting an expanded recycling program. If they agree, they will appoint a liaison from your school to contact FCPS about program logistics.

2. Call the plant operations office at 703-764-2459 and let them know how many recycling containers you need for your classrooms, office and school library.

3. Put the containers in the classrooms and advertise your program. Contact the plant operations office to have a designated recycling dumpster placed at your school.

4. Work with students and other teachers to separate recyclable materials in your classrooms and office and library staff to separate recyclables in the office and library.

5. The custodial staff will place recyclable materials in the dumpster provided by the company under contract with FCPS to pick up recyclables. The custodial staff will ensure that the recyclable dumpster is locked at all times.

6. Develop a collection schedule with an established recycling company.

Resources

The Fairfax County Recycling Program and the Clean Fairfax Council offer resources to help teach your students about recycling. These are just a few to get you started.

Johnie Forte Grants: Several $500 grants are available annually for new and existing recycling and/or litter prevention programs. The deadline for entry is usually mid-December. Announcements are posted on the website once available.
School Presentations: Clean Fairfax Council offers a variety of presentations for all ages of students. For more information, call Rosemary Byrne at 703-324-5471, TTY 711.
Contests: Get recognized for great recycling! The Fairfax County Recycling Program sponsors numerous contests throughout the year to encourage recycling. Sign up for our e-newsletter so you can keep up with the latest information. Go to the county's electronic mailing list page and select "Recycling Information for Fairfax County Residents."