Recycling and waste reduction are critical elements that incorporate good social and environmental behaviors. The following materials are typically included in an effective recycling program: paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastic containers.

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, if one ton of paper is recycled:

• Seventeen trees are saved.
• Four Hundred and Sixty gallons of oil are conserved.
• Eight cubic feet of landfill space are saved.
• Air emissions are decreased by 95 percent.

To get your recycling program started, or to obtain support for your current recycling program, please contact the Division of School Facilities' Recycling Coordinator, Michael Grobshteyn, at 718-349-5750, or at the following email: MGrobsh@schools.nyc.gov. You may also visit the Department of Sanitation Web site at www.nyc.gov/nycwasteless/schools.

Schools with recycling programs will be able to compete in the New York City Department of Sanitation's Golden Apple Awards Program. Under this program (www.nyc.gov/nycwasteless/goldenapple), those schools with the most successful recycling programs will be eligible to receive awards and cash prizes.