Nobleboro-Jefferson Transfer Station Manager Barry Howell tells Great Salt Bay Community School second-graders that laundry detergent containers are recyclable during a visit to the school Dec. 9. (Maia Zewert photo)
Great Salt Bay Community School second-graders learned about recycling from two guests Dec. 7.
Barry Howell, manager of the Nobleboro-Jefferson Transfer Station; and Tim Richardson Sr., supervisor of the Lincoln County Recycling Plant, visited the school to educate students about the recycling process and what items are recyclable.
The second-graders also learned about the composting program at the Lincoln County Recycling Plant in Wiscasset.
“Anything you and your parents can recycle can help the environment,” Howell said. “It helps save energy when making new stuff.”
Howell and Richardson brought samples of recyclables and demonstrated how to sort them. The students were surprised to learn Styrofoam could not be recycled, and instead needed to be thrown away.
Lincoln County Recycling Plant Supervisor Tim Richardson Sr. discusses the plant’s composting program during a visit to Great Salt Bay Community School in Damariscotta Dec. 9. Richardson and Barry Howell, manager of the Nobleboro-Jefferson Transfer Station, taught second-grade students about the importance of recycling. (Maia Zewert photo)
GSB Maintenance Supervisor Mark Hagar said the school has been making an effort to recycle more. Earlier this year, the school started recycling the milk cartons from breakfast and lunch.
“We’re trying to help the kids get into the habit of recycling at school so that they will hopefully continue at home,” Hagar said. “This is a good age for them to start thinking about this.”
In addition, the students are actively practicing recycling in the classroom. Second-grade teacher Lorna Fake said the class recycles everything it can, from construction paper to Capri Sun pouches.
Howell and Richardson encouraged the students to continue their recycling efforts to help the environment.
“It may seem like we recycle a lot, but there’s more that can be done,” Howell said. “We’re counting on you to make a difference.”
