Recycling Lesson Plans and Activities for Elementary, Middle and High School - Free Download
These free lesson plans and activities help students exploration of the importance of recycling and how even small efforts can contribute to a healthier planet. Through engaging activities such as sorting recyclables and creating recycling posters, students will learn what recycling is, why it matters, and how to recycle properly.
The lesson emphasizes the collective power of small actions and encourages students to take responsibility for their environment. With fun hands-on activities and thoughtful discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of how their everyday choices can make a big impact on the world around them.
America Recycles: Small Acts, Big Impact
Lesson plans dive deeper into the environmental, economic, and societal impacts of recycling. Through critical thinking exercises, analysis of real-world waste management data, and a debate on the efficacy of recycling, students will explore how small individual actions can create large-scale environmental change.
This lesson ties into America Recycles Day, held annually on November 15, which is a national effort to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and encourage sustainable practices. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and benefits of recycling and be encouraged to think critically about its role in sustainability efforts.
Recycling Lesson Plans
Elementary
- Elementary Recycling Lesson Plan (PDF)
- Activity: What Can Your Recycle (JPG)
- Activity: Recycling Scavenger Hunt (PDF)
Middle School
High School
November Eco-Challenge: America Recycles Clothing Drive!
- Goal: Help us reach a collective goal of 500,000 pounds of clothing kept out of landfills from Nov. 15 to Dec. 2. Schools, businesses, and other organizations across the country are joining the movement!
- Why It Matters: Diverting these textiles from the landfill reduces greenhouse gases and gives clothes a second life.
- Join the Movement: Small actions lead to big impacts—your school can make a difference!
Get Your Students Involved:
- Lead the Charge: Encourage students to mobilize their classmates and school community for the drive.
- Skill-Building Opportunity: Students can gain real-world experience in marketing, event planning, and organizing as they promote the drive.
Special Contest for Schools:
- Win a Sustainability Prize Package! The schools that collect the most clothing will receive a prize package to help them adopt even more eco-friendly practices. Last year, the winner received a "Start a School Garden" kit complete with raised garden beds, tools, and seeds!
Join the Club!
The Planet Aid Scholar's Club launched the 2024-25 school year. Join the club for free environmental lesson plans, activities, book reviews AND eco-challenges with chances to win cool prizes.
Schools also partner with Planet Aid to collect used clothes and shoes. Learn how your school can fundraise and give students real-world experience helping reduce textile waste in the U.S.