McKee Elementary, Mint Hill Middle and Metro schools were honored May 29 at the Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Department awards luncheon for their efforts in recycling and waste reduction.

The county began a recycling program at CMS more than 10 years ago to reduce waste in public schools. The three schools were recognized for their innovative approaches to waste disposal, waste reduction and commitment to recycling. Each school received a $500 gift certificate to Office Depot and a certificate of appreciation framed in recycled bicycle tires.

Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners chair Jennifer Roberts handed out the awards during the ceremony.

"It costs millions of dollars to clean up litter," Roberts said. "There are a lot of little things you can do every day to make our environment better. It's amazing what a little effort can do and I thank all of you for your efforts."

 

McKee Elementary School - McKee Elementary started a recycling program titled "Paper Chase" five years ago. The successful program led the student council to expand their efforts by recycling cans and bottles too. Students patrol the cafeteria for misplaced water bottles and the cafeteria staff recycles all their plastic products. The custodial staff acknowledges there is far less trash around the building.

McKee's recycling efforts are so successful that they are mentoring a neighboring high school.

 

Mint Hill Middle School - The school implemented its cardboard/paper recycling program in 2003. Sixth-grade students volunteer each year to take recyclable products to a collection site. Part of the sixth-grade curriculum in ecology is learning about the positive and negative impact people have on their environment.

A special project this year was recycling phone books to be used as steps for an exercise program.

 

Metro School - Even before Metro School's recycling program began in 2004, employees were taking materials to recycling centers. Now, several students travel the hallways collecting paper and beverage containers. They bring those items to the school's recycling center where they sort and crush recyclable materials.

These students help educate the school about reducing waste and energy consumption through announcements via closed circuit TV.