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Custodian Guide
While you, the custodian, are not generating much recycling yourself during the workday, you are responsible for collecting and disposing a schools worth of it! Custodians have a crucial role to play in making sure that their school is recycling properly, from reducing contamination to tackling the logistics of collection and disposal. For additional information please see our School Recycling Toolkit on Google Drive.
Recycling Bins & Collection
Location
Each classroom and cafeteria should have appropriate recycling bins based on the type of recycling system your school uses:
Dual-stream recycling: At least two bins are required (one for paper products and one for plastics) in each classroom and cafeteria.
Single-stream recycling: At least one recycling bin should be placed in every classroom and cafeteria.
Note: Recycling bins should not be placed in bathrooms.
Signage
All recycling bins must have clear and visible signage indicating what materials belong in each bin.
See example below:
Bags
Bags should not be used in recycling bins. If a bag is used, it must be removed before placing recyclables in the recycling dumpster. Placing bags in the dumpster will contaminate the entire recycling load. Only loose recyclables should go into the recycling dumpster.
Collection
Collection carts should be equipped with at least two bins, and three if your school uses dual-stream recycling. Using a cart with only one bin will require multiple trips to separately collect trash and recyclables, making the process less efficient.
Spotting Contamination
Is your school recycling right? If not, all your recycling efforts could go to waste. When a recycling bin contains too much trash or contamination, the entire load may be sent to the landfill instead of being recycled. To prevent this, watch out for items that don’t belong in the recycling. Share common recycling mistakes with teachers and staff so everyone can help students recycle properly.
Recycling Checklist
Review your school’s recycling guidelines
Label recycling and trash bins (note single vs. dual stream)
Ensure all classrooms have appropriate recycling and trash bins
Post visual guides of what can and cannot be recycled
Ensure recycling is not bagged when placed in dumpster
Check for contamination in recycling bins
Make sure recycling is disposed of in the correct dumpster
Make sure dumpster lids are closed to prevent contamination
