Overview In 2004, Pinellas County Utilities started a program with the assistance of Pinellas Partners in Recycling to provide free paper recycling bins and collection to all public schools. Last school year (2006-2007), Pinellas County public schools recycled over 3.2 million pounds (1,634 tons) of paper. These efforts represent significant pollution prevention and savings of trees, water, energy, and landfill space—plus cost savings for the school district.

How to Participate
Free recycling bins for paper are available from Pinellas County Utilities for school classrooms and offices. Free collection service is offered by SP Recycling Corporation and the City of Clearwater, both participants in Pinellas Partners in Recycling.

Schools can recycle any clean, dry paper item that tears, including:

• white paper
• colored paper
• newspaper
• junk mail
• magazines/catalogs
• phone books  

Click here for items not accepted.

The City of Clearwater provides collection to schools within the city's
boundary, and SP Recycling buys paper collected by schools elsewhere in the county. If you have questions, or need recycling bins for your school, please call (727) 464-7500 or e-mail recycle@pinellascounty.org.

Private Schools Added
Due to the success of this program at public schools, Pinellas County Utilities and Pinellas Partners in Recycling have expanded the free program to private schools in the county. Private schools interested in participating should call (727) 464-7500 or e-mail recycle@pinellascounty.org.

Other Ways to Recycle Paper
Another way to recycle paper is to use both sides. Teachers can save paper by making 2-sided photocopies, and by encouraging students to use both sides of the paper as often as possible. Another option is to create notepads from scrap paper or simply keep a basket of scrap paper available for teachers or students to use when fresh paper is not necessary.

Recycling More Than Paper
Some schools earn money by recycling printer cartridges, cell phones, or rechargeable batteries. Others are planning to recycle aluminum cans or plastic bottles. For more information, call (727) 464-7500 or e-mail recycle@pinellascounty.org.

School Paper Recycling Activity Flyer
Click here to print a 2-sided School Paper Recycling Activity Flyer for elementary-aged children. The flyer includes coloring and activities related to recycling paper.

Attention Teachers
See our “Just for Teachers” Web site for additional free resources for teachers that are available from Pinellas County Utilities.

Utilities billing address
PO Box 1780
Clearwater Fl 33757-1780