By KEYNA CORY
The Florida Recycling Partnership recently hosted its first Beyond the Bin webinar, spotlighting successful school recycling programs and practical strategies to build a culture of sustainability. The webinar was sponsored by the Florida Beverage Association and featured insights from Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), offering real-world examples of how schools can improve recycling and reduce waste.
David Klawitter of Orange County Public Schools shared an in-depth look at OCPS’s comprehensive recycling and sustainability efforts. Central to their success is a program built on leadership engagement and meaningful input from teachers and students. OCPS has found that the most effective way to grow a “green culture” is to start on Day One — both in the classroom and across campus.
Every OCPS classroom is equipped with a recycling bin placed directly next to the trash can, reinforcing proper disposal habits. Above each recycling bin, clear signage shows students exactly what belongs inside. Teachers are also encouraged to show the OCPS Recycle Right! video on the first day of school to establish expectations early and ensure consistent messaging.
To make recycling simple and memorable, OCPS promotes its “Give Me 5! Materials in the Bins” campaign, highlighting the five items accepted in recycling bins: plastic bottles, paper, cardboard, metal (aluminum cans) and glass bottles. This straightforward approach helps reduce contamination and builds confidence among students.
Food waste reduction is another major focus. More than 50 percent of school waste is generated in cafeterias, so OCPS uses targeted signage such as “Milk Is Optional” posters to reduce unnecessary waste. Schools have also implemented share tables, allowing students to place unopened packaged foods and whole fruits where others can take them, minimizing edible food waste.
Education plays a critical role in reinforcing these efforts. OCPS teaches students why reducing, reusing and recycling matter. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American generates approximately five pounds of trash per day, which is nearly 1,800 pounds per year. An estimated 70 percent of that material could be recycled. With Orlando-area landfills projected to reach capacity within the next 20 years, OCPS emphasizes that action is urgent and individual choices matter.
Chris Perry with FDEP’s Waste Division closed the webinar by discussing how schools can establish effective recycling systems and measure progress through waste audits. He reinforced the importance of proper bin placement, noting that recycling rates improve significantly when recycling bins are located next to trash cans.
If you missed the webinar, it is available for viewing at www.flrecycling.org, where additional OCPS resources will also be posted.
Keyna Cory serves as the Executive Director of the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation, a coalition of leading Florida businesses and associations dedicated to educating policymakers, business leaders and the public on the value of recycling and the importance of recycling correctly. For more information, visit www.flrecycling.org.
