This school year 69 Ohio schools participated in the 2021 Recycle Rally, a nationwide school recycling program from PepsiCo with the goal to inspire and inform students in grades K-12 about the importance of recycling. The schools are encouraged to set recycling goals and track their progress to earn points, which can be redeemed for needed school supplies and gift cards. The program also hosts contests for schools to win additional prizes.
Of the 69 participating Ohio schools, Ripley Union Lewis Huntington Middle School in Aberdeen collected the highest amount of recyclable beverage containers, contributing 1.6 million containers to bring the overall total to 4.6 million containers collected among all Ohio schools. Meanwhile, Teays Valley High School in Ashville topped the charts in total weight with 110,301 pounds of recyclables collected, combining with the rest of the schools for a grand total of 516,381 pounds.
Three Ohio schools were selected as finalists in the design contest, where students were tasked with creating educational and eye-catching displays centered around recycling. Out of seven finalists from across the county, Lake Middle School in Uniontown (display pictured above) came in 4th place and received a cash prize of $1,000. Birmingham Elementary School in Toledo placed 6th earning $500, followed by New Lexington High School in 7th place winning $300.
Prizes were also given to seven Ohio schools that submitted an instructional anchor chart that taught about recycling and environmental sustainability. Additionally, custodians from four Ohio schools were recognized as "Custodian Heroes" for their contributions to the success of their school's recycling program.
Click to learn more about the Recycle Rally Program.