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10 Robust Recycling Resources

Every November 15, America Recycles Day reminds us that our everyday choices about waste really do add up. Whether your students are recycling rookies just learning which plastics go in which bin or zero-waste warriors committed to composting, this annual celebration is a chance to level up your recycling game. We've pulled together some resources, lesson plans, and games related to recycling and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to help you make an even bigger dent in what heads to the landfill. Think of it as your recycling cheat sheet—minus the paper waste.

Grades 3-6

Life of a Can

This engaging interactive demonstrates the impact of recycling just one can. Students make eco-friendly choices as they explore Cantown and earn Green Points for recycling. The site also includes downloadable, standards-aligned lessons and activities.

Grades 1-12

Welcome to Recycling 101

Explore the recycling journey of specific materials with these virtual tour videos. Use the search option to find lesson plans for all grade levels, data-rich infographics related to recycling, and engaging classroom activities.

Grades K-12

TeachersFirst's Resources Related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The SDGs are 17 global goals adopted by the United Nations that are designed as a blueprint for achieving a more sustainable future for all. In this collection, you will find helpful information about the SDGs and resources to help you teach them.

Grades K-6

Curious George STEM Collection

The Curious George STEM Collection contains a variety of hands-on lesson plans, including several related to recycling. Each lesson begins with a video, then students use the concepts presented in the video to participate in various activities.

Grades K-3

Reading Treks: Ada's Violin: The Story of the Recycled Orchestra of Paraguay

Take a virtual field trip with this Reading Trek based on Susan Hood's book “Ada's Violin,” which tells the story of how music transformed the lives of children and teens living on the edge of a landfill just outside Paraguay's capital city.

Grades 2-12

Cell Phone Recycling - Help Yourself to a Little Humanity

Did you know that four cell phones a second end up in landfills? Learn about the conservation of precious resources, energy efficiency, and how to recycle cell phones for cash or to support a good cause with the infographic in the middle of the page. 

Grades 3-12

Earth School

Earth School is a 30-day nature-focused series of lessons and activities for all ages. Each daily quest includes a video introduction, a quiz, and additional discussion and focus activities. Create a free account to save and customize activities.

Grades 7-12

Recycling 101 - Three Basic Rules

Explore this recycling guide offered by Waste Management. Help your students learn three basic rules, view the interactive recycling guide, read about some common recycling myths, and share available recycling programs.

Grades 7-12

Aquation

Play this game or read the story and solve the world's water crisis through careful management of resources and responses to global events. The mission is to make water available to all regions through a series of decisions based on cost and research.

Grades 2-12

Your Plan, Your Planet

Your Plan, Your Planet is an interactive activity demonstrating how small changes at home can positively impact our environment. The interactive focuses on three components: water, food, and energy. Select any of the three items to begin your exploration.

This Week at TeachersFirst

We invite you to join us this Tuesday for our next OK2Ask virtual workshop, check out our blog post about recycling, and read an article about keeping our oceans clean and sustainable.