INDIAN RIVER COUNTY – The School District of Indian River County, in partnership with Solid Waste Disposal District, grants from the Carton Council, and Waste Management’s “Think Green” Program launched a recycling program at four pilot schools.
The schools that will pilot the program are Storm Grove Middle School, Vero Beach High School Freshman Learning Center, Pelican Island Elementary School, and Rosewood Magnet School.
Each school will have a recycling center set up in their cafeteria. Teachers, staff, School Board Members, County Commissioners, and community members were at each of these schools supporting the students in this new endeavor.
Pelican Island Elementary School earned the Green Apple designation earlier this year and is working toward their goal of becoming a “Green School.” As an additional step in their recycling program, they will also be composting their food and biodegradable trays.
“The students and staff at each of the four schools did a phenomenal job with the new recycling program,” said Stephanie Fonvielle, Recycling Education and Marketing Coordinator for the Solid Waste Disposal District. “The students were well prepared for the changes in the cafeteria and they impressed us with how well they sorted the recyclables. The volunteers at all four schools reported that they were really impressed with how organized the school staff was and how well the students followed the new instructions.”
“We are so excited to see students actively participate in recycling initiatives that will safeguard and protect our environment,” said School District of Indian River County Superintendent Dr. Mark Rendell. “We hope that these actions become habits that they will practice throughout their lifetime. This is a great example of how different agencies can work together for the benefit of the community. We are thankful for the support provided by the Carton Council and Waste Management.”
Data collection will take place at each of these schools to track the decrease in garbage with the recycling program in place. Our hope for the future is to expand the program to all district schools, and educate student ambassadors who will grow into responsible, environmentally conscious adults.
