Calling All Educators: New Garbage and Recycling Education Programs for Kindergarten through Grade 2 Students

The Pinellas County Department of Solid Waste (DSW) has created three educational programs for children in Kindergarten through Grade 2, just in time for Earth Day on April 22, 2023.

DSW realizes the importance of educating residents of all ages about waste reduction and recycling to help protect our environment for future generations and to help the County reach its vision of zero waste to landfill by 2050.

The three programs, “Waste Reduction and Reuse,” “Remember to Recycle Every Day” and “The 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle”, were created by DSW’s own Recycling and Outreach staff. The activities promote waste reduction, reuse and proper recycling in fun and easy-to-understand ways. The activities involve reading, art projects, waste sorting games and more.

In the program, “Waste Reduction and Reuse,” students will learn how Gary the Gator makes his garbage disappear by donating items and switching to reusable products.

In the program, “Remember to Recycle Every Day”, students are invited to watch a video or read the book, Recycle Every Day! by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace, then create recycled artwork that shows others what can be recycled or reused, just like the book’s charming character, Minna, the bunny. Copies of Recycle Every Day! are available through the Pinellas Public Library Cooperative.

The “3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” utilizes the County’s Recycle Guide and includes a matching game, scavenger hunt and instructions for students to complete their very own waste composition study.

These education programs will help educators incorporate recycling and waste reduction activities into their lesson plans and encourage environmental stewardship in their students. Each program includes references to applicable Florida Standards, such as English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies and Visual Arts.

To access these online programs, visit https://pinellas.gov/k-2-resources-for-garbage-and-recycling/.

DSW welcomes educator feedback about these programs. Please send questions or comments to recycle@pinellas.gov.