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Step 6 - Educate School and Community about the Program

It is important to create a high level of awareness from the start. An effective school recycling requires ongoing educational activities. All activities should have a positive "can-do" attitude, rather than a tough "lay down the law" approach.

• Develop a school recycling logo (a graphic symbol that instantly identifies your program) and slogan.
   
• Have an assembly to celebrate the kick-off.
   
• Conduct contests, awarding prizes for the best poster, song, cheer, rap, poem, etc.
   
• Invite the local media (radio, newspaper, TV).
   
• Distribute posters and other materials throughout the school to tell students and staff how the program works and encourage their participation.
   
• Conduct training sessions for teachers, cafeteria workers and student leaders on what can and cannot be recycled and why.
   
• Put up educational displays or posters showing what can and what can not be recycled.
   
• Invite special environmental speakers.
   
• Encourage teachers to include recycling lessons in the classroom (for more on this contact your County Extension Office or the ADEQ Recycling Branch.

As the program moves from the exciting beginning to the maintenance phase, participation may fall off. You will need to step up your educational efforts and continually and positively reinforce your message. Rotate committee members or replace those who are no longer participating.

Use your school news networks (posters, bulletin boards, report cards, bumper stickers, newspaper, contests, etc.) to keep interest high. Place messages on outdoor signs.