School recycling programs have increasingly been trimmed down or eliminated due to the challenges of paying for them. School recycling programs may receive some revenue for their recyclables, however these amounts are small and often don't offset much of the high collection and transportation costs. While school recycling programs are often costly, they do provide important environmental education benefits. The environmental education students receive at school often continues into their homes.

The Wake County, NC Solid Waste Management Division (SWMD) started a pilot recycling project in order to:

• Create a system-wide recycling program for the Wake County Public School System that will realize substantial disposal cost savings as well as establish a standard for environmental responsibility.
• Create an efficient and effective school recycling program in Wake County that can serve as a model for others.
• Expand the program to as many schools as possible without increased cost to Wake County .
• Provide education to schools to increase participation in the recycling program.

This UNC EFC case study details the Wake County SWMD pilot program as well as its results which show that the SWMD can increase services, reduce costs and utilize partnerships with other organizations in order to will improve overall program efficiency, save up to 39% per year, and form the foundation for a sustainable recycling program supported by education for students.

For more information, contact:
Lynn Weller, UNC Environmental Finance Center
weller@sog.unc.edu
or
Kelley Dennings, Wake County Solid Waste Management Dividision, www.WakeGov.com
919-856-5277