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The City of Portland offers classroom education and other resources to support recycling and waste reduction.
The City of Portland provides recycling education and assistance to Portland Public Schools, Centennial, David Douglas, Parkrose, and Reynolds school districts.
We offer free classroom education about recycling and waste reduction for kindergarten through middle school. We can also attend PTA nights, Back-To-School nights, and other events to share recycling and waste reduction information with parents and children.
Classroom presentations
These free, in-person, 45-minute presentations educate students on proper recycling practices and strategies for reducing food waste.
Each presentation is designed and delivered by a former educator with 9 years of experience in the classroom. We know many teachers care about recycling and sustainability but don’t have time to plan additional lessons about these topics. So sign up for one of our presentations and enjoy 45 minutes that you didn't have to plan for!
Save the Scraps: Food Waste Prevention (K-2)
Dive into the world of food waste and discover why it’s so important to reduce it! In this fun and interactive lesson, you'll learn what food waste is and why cutting it down can make a big difference. Get ready to brainstorm and develop strategies to help you save food and make a positive impact every day. Let’s join forces to fight food waste and become everyday heroes in the kitchen!
Recycle Rally (K-3)
Gear up for an exciting adventure into the world of recycling! In this engaging lesson, you’ll uncover the basics of recycling, learn to identify what materials can be recycled, and explore why recycling is crucial for keeping our planet healthy. Get ready to do fun activities and discover how you can make a big difference with just a few simple steps. Let’s become recycling superheroes and help protect our environment together!
Bin it to Win it: Recycling and Composting Fun (4-8)
In this engaging and interactive lesson, students will dive into the exciting world of recycling and composting. They'll learn how to sort materials into recyclable, compostable, and trash categories, discover why these practices are crucial for keeping our environment healthy, and explore the positive impact they can have on our planet. Through hands-on activities, lively discussions, and fun games, students will gain valuable skills and knowledge to help them make a difference every day.
From Crust to Compost: Food Waste Prevention (3-6)
Students will embark on an exciting adventure to discover the hidden journey of their favorite pizza ingredients and uncover the surprising secrets behind food waste. From the crispy crust to the cheesy topping, we’ll explore how every bite counts and why it’s crucial to waste less! They'll learn how throwing away food impacts our planet and why every bite matters.
Schedule a presentation
We are currently booking February, March, April, May, and June 2026.
We encourage you to book the same presentation for multiple classrooms on a single day. (We require a minimum of two classes.) So please:
- Connect with your grade-level teams.
- Choose one of the presentations above.
- Find a day when multiple classrooms can schedule 45-minute presentations.
Wins n' Bins: Recycling and reuse supplies for your school
Want to cut down on classroom waste and build everyday sustainability habits with your students?
Portland schools can apply for free supplies like recycling and compost bins, reusable water bottles, and reusable classroom party supplies.
Learn more and apply for supplies
Invite us to table at events
We can set up a recycling and waste prevention table at your PTA nights, back-to-school nights, or other events.
Contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer questions or discuss the best options for your school or classroom.