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Waste Reduction and Recycling

Schools generate significant amounts of waste, from paper and computers to food and books. By learning how to handle these wastes as a resource, schools have an opportunity to save on costs and positively influence the future of the school and district, while protecting the environment.

McDill reduces the waste that goes into landfills and recycles various items. Here are a few examples:

  • Milk Carton Recycling: 37,033 milk cartons were recycled in the 2015/16 school year; it is estimated that approx. the same number were recycled in the 2016/17 school year. These numbers only reflect cartons from milk break. However, by the end of the 2016/17 school year, cartons from breakfast and lunch were added to the recycling system. This saves landfill space and money for the district (it costs more to dispose of trash than it does for recycling).
  • Crayola Marker Recycling
    • 850 markers were recycled in the 2017/18 school year
    • 800 markers were recycled in the 2016/17 school year
    • 521 markers were recycled in the 2015/16 school year
    • 180 markers were recycled in the 2014/15 school year
  • Egg cartons and other materials are reused for art classes/projects
  • Lunch after recess (depending on scheduling abilities) - this encourages students to eat more of their lunches since they aren't rushing to get out onto the playground
  • Having extra used shoes, coats, etc. for students to utilize when needed

Resources for families