Rockland Green (Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority) educator Jennifer Sheridan spoke with the Cottage Lane Elementary School Trash Troopers about where recycled materials go once they are picked up from their school, what recovered materials look like and how companies can purchase those materials to make something new.
Students learned that Rockland County provides free recycling bins and biodegradable leaf bags for residents and learned what belongs (and what doesn’t!) in each of the colored bins. As part of the discussion, students shared ideas on actions people could take to reduce waste, such as using reusable bags instead of paper or plastic.
The Trash Troopers program operates throughout the school year with a rotating group of representatives from every CLE classroom. Members share tips with teachers and peers on how to reuse, reduce and recycle to minimize waste in their classrooms, in the cafeteria and at home. They also volunteer during lunch periods to help classmates separate their waste into the appropriate bins for recycling.
Student leadership has been a cornerstone in CLE’s longstanding efforts to reduce waste and promote responsible environmental stewardship.
