Americans are not very good at recycling. In fact, while 75 percent of America’s waste is recyclable, Americans only recycle around 30 percent of it. This is reflected on our environment, as landfills become occupied by the unwanted trash. 

At Marshfield High School, the work skills and life skills students help recycle items around the school. They sort through the recycling bins and have to separate recyclables from the non-recyclable items that are often left in the green bins. 

“We have a group between five and six kids who go around to different classrooms to gather up the recycling bins four times a week,” staff member Crystal Davis said. “Although our plan on recycling cans didn’t take off last year, this year we have teachers who collect the cans from us and they recycle those to give back to our SPED department.” 

Since students are still new to recycling, there are certain things that can’t be accepted by the crew. Anything containing grease such as pizza boxes and paper plates should go in the garbage can instead. Cups containing the slightest bit of liquid should be completely emptied out before throwing them in a recycling bin. 

“I always say that anything that you wouldn’t put in your recycling bin at home, don’t put it in the bins at school,” said Davis. “I tell staff members to maintain what is being recycled to strictly paper products because otherwise the products will be returned back to us.”

The work skills class also coordinates with custodians, as well. In case our school is ever short-handed with custodians, they come and help out. 

“I am glad that I am able to help out our school and give back to our environment,” said MHS student Milee Brick. “It is important to recycle paper regardless of where you live because then we are able to reuse it later on into the future.”

A great deal is being done through this new recycling program. Connie Brownell, one of MHS’ own custodians can attest to this.

“They really help out a lot around here and they don’t get enough credit for it. Not many students would step up to willingly volunteer and take time out of their days,” Brownell said. “But I am grateful they also give me a hand around here too and students at MHS should appreciate them as well.”