At Stone Ridge, there are a lot of ways to reduce our trash just by helping stuff make it’s way into the right bin.
Sorting waste into the correct bin helps to keep recyclable and compostable material out of landfills. Preventing waste from getting to landfills, by finding ways to reduce, reuse, recycle, or rot (compost) is the most effective way to achieve zero waste.
Recycling
What is recyclable in the school recycling bins?
- Glass
- Plastic
- Aluminum (cans and foil)
- Cardboard
- Paper
In the kitchen, we also recycle oil and grease, which can be reused in other places.
What about batteries?
Stone Ridge doesn’t currently recycle batteries – but we could start! Take the poll on the Front Page of this newsletter to vote for battery recycling.
Batteries can be collected and taken to the Montgomery County Transfer station located at 16101 Frederick Rd, Derwood, MD 20855. However, there is always a fire hazard when transporting these batteries – they must be properly disposed of by taping a piece of scotch tape on the top part to protect the ends from contact with other stuff. The IT Department does recycle computer batteries, and disposes of e-waste (circuit boards, old computers) at the Montgomery County Transfer station.
Composting
What is compostable in the school compost bins?
- Food waste
- Napkins or paper towels
- Paper plates
- Uncoated paper or cardboard
- Newspaper
On the grounds, we also compost yard trim (like grass clippings and leaves).
Middle School students Jamie and Charlotte created and shared with the Facilities team this presentation on Composting and the Montgomery County Commercial Composting Program.
Where does it go?
The compost material now collected at the school is taken to the Prince George County Compost Facility located 35 miles away from the school at 6500 Old Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro.
Reusing
When Ms. Ott wanted to collect a lot of materials to spark the creativity of Lower School students who were making representations in their project work, she knew that the best stuff was going to be reused stuff – so she sent a message to families and teachers to collect all kinds things like:
- corks
- paper towel, toilet paper, wrapping paper tubes
- fabric (swatches, old pieces, interesting patterns)
- egg cartons
- interesting boxes or containers (produce, old tupperware, etc.)
- foam
- popsicle sticks (clean)
- spools
In her note, she said “think of us before you throw it away” – knowing that lots of these materials might end up getting tossed in the trash. Families and teachers brought in wonderful stuff and filled the Creation & Innovation Station! These awesome materials were reused by the 4th grade as they made representations this month of a geographic region that is important to them. The cool textures and shapes of these unusual materials added pizzaz to the awesome representations that students made – check them out now in the 3rd floor hallway! And Ms. Ott is always accepting reusable stuff to keep the inspiration going strong in the Creation and Innovation Station on the 3rd floor!
“It’s unbelievable that items we simply toss away
Ms. Ott (Lower School Educational Technology and Learning Support)
can be used to
prototype and create inventions
in our project work.”