Reusing, Recycling, and Repurposing for Back to School

Follow us on our series ‘Let’s Talk Recycling’. Recycling is a large part of a sustainable future and something we can all take part in as a community.

It has come, the day is upon us, back to school is in full swing. Whether you are dreading it or have been counting down the days with excitement, it is here. A new year and a new you to highlight. Recycling can be a big part of your return and can be made easy with ideas and resources.

Going back to school has become an event over the years, one that can generate a large carbon footprint and excessive personal cost. Teaching recycling, repurposing, and reusing helps to imprint sustainability practices with our school age youth while saving you some money. Start by auditing what you already have, this can be a teachable moment while having together time. Making it as a game, like a treasure hunt, for younger children and a tool of organization for older. Create a checklist or download a template for everyone with supplies for the treasure hunt.

Now you can plan what you can reuse and here are some things you can reuse:

• Every piece of paper that is not written on can be reused. Rip out used pages and save the rest.
• If your binders have not been written on, save those too. Used binders can be wiped clean with a slightly damp rag or wipe.
• Check your pens and pencils before you throw them away. If they are still in working condition, use them before you buy new ones.

If you cannot reuse the supplies because they are too far gone, here are some recycling options:

• Broken crayons can be recycled or donated to your local Title 1 schools or Head Start Program. Crazy Crayons and The National Crayon Recycling Program takes broken crayons and turns them into new ones.
• Markers, dry erase, or highlighters can be recycled. Crayola Colorcycle says it will take and recycle any brand.
• Notebooks/binders– if it is a spiral bound notebook, remove the coil and any plastic covering. Toss the paper in the recycling bin and check with local hard to recycle facilities like Live Thrive for the coil and plastic.
• If you have an Apple or Microsoft product you no longer use, returning these items to their respective stores allows companies to recycle their products responsibly.
• Dispose of your waste accordingly. When going through your old items, make sure you separate paper. Unless it is covered in stickers, paint, or glitter, it is recyclable.

If you want to repurpose some of your old supplies, here are some repurposing ideas:

• Make old glue sticks and crayons into new ones creating new inventive colors.
• Make old markers into watercolor paints for projects.
• Make a personalized notebook from scraps of paper.
• Take them to a thrift store and donate them to others for repurposing.
• Donate old backpacks like Cobb County students did in 2019.

Your recycling matters. Not only are you single handedly contributing to the future and environment, but your sustainability practices are also inspiring others. You are appreciated! More on how to recycle during the school year coming soon.