Seven Chittenden County schools show major gains in recycling knowledge and action
Vermont Business Magazine The Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) has announced that Champlain Elementary School in Burlington as its 6th annual Recycle Rally Challenge winner and the Williston Central School as the winner of the Change Maker Award. The Challenge is a friendly competition that helps schools improve recycling and compost sorting while inspiring students to take action to reduce, reuse and recycle.
The four-week challenge encouraged schools to improve recycling and composting accuracy by keeping trash out of recycling and compost bins and ensuring food scraps and recyclables were sorted correctly. Schools earned points based on the accuracy of their waste sorting, with additional points awarded for creative sustainability initiatives such as using reusable foodware in cafeterias or empowering student “Compost Captains” to help peers and staff sort materials properly during lunch.
Champlain Elementary School earned an impressive 92% correct sorting rate. Students stood out not only for their accuracy but also for their enthusiasm in helping make waste reduction a daily practice throughout the school.
The Changemaker Award was presented to Williston Central School, which achieved a remarkable 204% improvement in sorting accuracy during the challenge. This progress was driven largely by the dedication of one seventh-grade student, Anna Claro, whose leadership and commitment helped inspire schoolwide change—proving that one person truly can make a difference.
“The Recycle Rally Challenge shows what’s possible when students are empowered with the right tools and knowledge,” said Rhonda Mace, School Outreach Coordinator at CSWD. “These schools and students are leading by example and helping build lifelong habits that protect our environment.”
For more information on the Recycle Rally Challenge, visit cswd.net.
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