In an effort to reduce the amount of waste the community sends to the landfill, Kalaheo School began collecting and recycling HI5 cans, bottles and glass containers. “With recycling bins located right in front of the school, students, parents and
In an effort to reduce the amount of waste the community sends to the landfill, Kalaheo School began collecting and recycling HI5 cans, bottles and glass containers.
“With recycling bins located right in front of the school, students, parents and staff are finding it easier to recycle,” said Traci Sullivan, PTSA president at Kalaheo School in a press release. “We’re off to a great start and everyone benefits.”
In the first month, the school collected 2,400 pounds of recyclable material that would have likely gone to the landfill. When redeemed, these cans, bottles and glass garnered $1,311 for the school.
“Our students are learning a way of life that demonstrates a concern for the health and well-being of our island,” PTSA treasurer Karissa Jonas said in the release. “In addition they are benefiting financially by being good to the earth — it’s a win/win.”
Since starting the program, Kalaheo School officials say they have experienced a steady increase in the amount of material dropped off for recycling each week. Members of the community are invited to stop by the school with HI5 containers any time. They ask only that participants follow the Kalaheo School Recycling Rules: check the label for HI5, empty the container, remove the lids and crush the cans. Just drop the containers in the bins and they’re on their way to being recycled.
To learn more about the program, call Sullivan at 332-0385 or e-mail her at traci.sullivan2@hawaiiantel.net.
Recycle bins at Kalaheo School were constructed with help from Kukuiula Development and Kitchell Construction, and Reynolds Recycling sponsors the collection of the recycling each month.
