How to save money from recycling

Reduce

• Set printers up to print double-sided on the default setting. 
• Encourage staff to print emails only when necessary. 
• Avoid disposable, single-use products, such as cleaning wipes.  
• Update mailing lists to avoid unnecessary mailings.
• Offer mugs to staff instead of disposable cups.
• Buy and use supplies purchased in bulk.
• Repair broken equipment instead of purchasing more.
• Reuse incoming packaging for outgoing shipments.
• Reuse office supplies, such as folders and binders.
• Use cloth-towel machines or air dryers rather than paper towels.
• Donate used furnishings and equipment.

Reuse

• Keep a scrap paper box in every room.
• Have a box of scrap paper available by printers and photocopiers for less important tasks.
• Reuse envelopes. Envelope reuse labels can help to cover up the previous address and reseal the envelope.
• Use rechargeable batteries.
• Reuse plastic containers such as yoghurt pots and margarine tubs for use during art activities. 
• Set up a collection for glasses to donate.
• Reuse school supplies, such as folders and binders.
• Collect unclaimed items from lockers at the end of the year to donate or reuse.
• Reuse, donate, or get money back for used textbooks.
• Recycle ink and toner cartridges.
• Recycle older computers and even earn cash for old mobiles.

Recycle

• Use your local recycling point for paper, cans and textiles.
• Compost your organic waste such as fruit peelings, tea bags and any garden waste.
• You can raise money either for the school or for charity by recycling old clothes, mobile phones and ink cartridges. 
• Collect used stamps and send to a charity.

Operational considerations:

• Storage: where will your school store materials for recycling? 
• Access: are there restrictions in timings of vehicle access to your school site to collect recycling?
• Frequency: how often will your recycling be collected?
• Health and safety: what issues might there be for your school?
• Budget: how much will the recycling service cost? Can costs be offset against savings in your usual rubbish collection?