Letters to the Editor

Recycling codes need to be followed in schools

Nov 15, 2007 2:03 PM

To the Editor,

The following letter was sent to the New York Post:

Thanks for your article on the lack of recycling in schools. As a teacher in the New York City public schools, I face this problem every day. I started and ran a recycling program in Brooklyn for two years. It was no easy task.

The first issue is acquiring supplies: real garbage bins (not dirty recycling bins), and new and clean recycling bins, large clear bags, plastic gloves, and a wheeled collection bin for each floor. We received a grant for $1,500 from DonorsChoose.org for these. Decals, posters, curriculum and videos came from the Department of Sanitation, which also awarded our program $1,500 for its Golden Apple Awards.

The next is collection. Students participate eagerly, but without a supportive infrastructure, the collection is either thrown out by custodians or not collected by Sanitation (we experienced both). Realistically, each school building needs a trained professional whose sole responsibility is to see that recycling codes are followed.

We are, after all, in the business of educating the future.

Micki Josi, MS 477, Brooklyn