Elkhart County’s Recycling Education Initiative Continues this Fall
 

The Elkhart County Solid Waste Management District will continue its “Green Schools Initiative”
for the fourth semester in a row.

After noticing lower recycling rates in Elkhart County compared to other regions in the country,
The Solid Waste Management District of Elkhart County piloted a school-based program to
increase awareness and recycling numbers. The Green Schools Initiative provides cash
incentives and resources for schools to participate in recycling-related educational challenges.
Over the last three semesters, 22 schools have participated in the program, representing all
seven public school districts as well as three private schools. These schools have completed
172.5 credits, which totaled $41,000 in prizes. One school, Prairie View Elementary in Goshen, has
even received the top prize of 12 credits in one semester, graduating from the program with
“Golf-leaf certification.”

"This program has really done a lot for us. We have learned a great deal about being "green" and
the money has helped us get more benches made out of plastic caps for our school.", says Ryan
Prahl from Concord Intermediate School. Participants may use money earned how they see fit.
Many schools have plans to put prize money towards playground material, extracurricular costs,
and bins to facilitate recycling or composting. Other institutions anticipate using their earnings
for garden initiatives, transportation costs, field trips, class supplies and water fountains.
The Elkhart County Solid Waste Management District has enjoyed partnering with local schools
in making an environmental impact. Ruth Roth from Prairie View Elementary stated: “We’re
grateful to you and this program for encouraging and affirming us. This is important work! We
are committed to continuing and initiating new practices at Prairie View that are environmentally
friendly ... It's now part of our identity and school culture, which we’re proud of." Through the
Green Schools Initiative, the Elkhart County Solid Waste Management District hopes to forge
new partnerships with schools and continue nurturing past relationships.

All state-accredited Elkhart County schools are eligible for participation. Sign-ups are now open
and will close once 25 schools sign up. Interested parties should visit
https://www.elkhartcountyswmd.com/recycling-education .