![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121017112855im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Teachers: Composting & Recycling
You will need the free Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA’s PDF page to learn more.
The resources below include general information about composting and recycling. Also learn how to involve students in setting up a school recycling program.
Composting
Composting
This website discusses what composting is, what compost can be used for, and other related topics.
Food Waste
This website provides information about environmentally sound food waste management.
School Composting — The Next Step in Recycling 
Explains how to establish and maintain a successful school-wide composting program for cafeteria food scraps (provided by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection).
Composting in Schools
This website provided by Cornell University includes information on composting and ideas for student research projects. The site also contains information on the science and engineering of composting, how to compost both indoors and outdoors, and frequently asked composting questions.
GreenScaping: The Easy Way to a Greener, Healthier Yard
Shows how changing your landscape to a GreenScape, over time can save you time and money and protect the environment.
“Greenscaping” Your Lawn and Garden (PDF) (8 pp, 1.8MB) | en Español (PDF) (8 pp, 313K)
Provides information about the benefits of grasscycling, mulching, and composting and how they can help us improve the environment.
Recycling
Reuse + Recycling = Waste Reduction: A Guide for Schools and Groups (PDF) (32 pp, 676K) | en Español (PDF) (32 pp, 6.8MB)
This booklet is designed for schools and community groups to encourage waste reduction programs. It also lists the benefits of waste prevention, provides case studies of waste reduction programs that work, and includes steps for starting a waste reduction program. The booklet is also included in the Make a Difference campaign kit.
Implementing Successful School Recycling Programs: A Handbook for Teachers and Schools (PDF) (17 pp, 566K)
This document, published by the Land-of-Sky Regional Council, gives key decision makers a detailed description of recycling program options, design evaluations, and recommendations for program implementation.
Oregon Green School Tools (PDF) (52 pp, 146K)
These tools were developed by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality for educators who are working on improving the health and livability of their school environment. The tools include involving students in conducting resource assessments for materials, energy and water, identifying resource efficiency opportunities, planning, tracking, and reporting.
