Maryland Public Schools Introduce Recycling Program Promoting Smart Choices

Maryland’s Charles County Public Schools are teaming up with the Charles County Government to launch a recycling initiative aiming to reduce contamination and increase the effectiveness of recycling in the school system.

The new program, iRecycle Smart, will focus on single-use plastic bottles, paper, and aluminum cans. The program, which was first shown to principals during a summer leadership institute, will be taught to students through short, grade-appropriate instructional videos.

Last year, Charles County Public School facilities accounted for 3,785 tons of trash. Of that, only 207 tons of material was recycled, resulting in a 5.2% recycling rate.

Charles County Government allocated $17,000 to fund the program with $15,000 to be used for purchasing an additional 1,490 recycling bins for schools. The other $2,000 will be used for promotional materials and a blue bin mascot named Mr. Chuck Itin. The mascot was recently revealed at the Charles County Fair and will continue to appear at other community events.

The posters and recycling bins will be placed near trash cans to encourage students to make responsible choices. The program hopes to educate students, staff, and the community to consider their waste and recycling habits.

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