Challenges and Misconceptions of Recycling

Sarah Borzo, Education and Outreach Coordinator for Metro Waste Authority, discusses misconceptions about recycling and diverting items from the landfill.

Possible Guiding, Compelling and/or Anchoring Questions

• How are juice boxes made into drywall?
• What other materials can be recycled or repurposed? (Example: plastic bottles for 3D printing)
• Can plexiglass be recycled? Is there a way to repurpose plexiglass?

Classroom Suggestions

• Create a documentary, podcast, etc., on recycling.
• Develop a plan to recycle or repurpose plexiglass (may involve developing partnerships with local businesses).
• Create a presentation that persuades a leader (school board, principal, city, county, etc.) to improve recycling.
• Develop a plan that allows your school to upcycle materials and resources.
• Watch the movie WALL-E.

Related Resources

• Metro Waste Authority: This website provides several resources on waste, recycling and the environment.
• From Trash to Treasure: This activity book contains ideas to convert items into art or something usable.
• The Digital Teacher: Schools: WALL-E! A green resource for Earth Day! This blog post contains information about why and how the movie “WALL-E” could be used to learn about recycling.
• Lesson Plan: Inventing Beyond Recycling: In this lesson, students will create their own designs that incorporate recyclable or non-recyclable items.
• Jeremy O’Brien on Why Some Items Can Be Recycled, But Not Others: In this podcast, Jeremy O’Brien discusses why some items can be recycled while others cannot.