Sustainability Spotlight: Distribution Center Reuse and Recycling

Recycling has been practiced in the Lincoln Public Schools District for years. Materials typically being recycled in our schools include cardboard, paper, plastic, tin, aluminum, newspapers, and magazines. However, through the district Distribution Center, over ten other nontraditional categories of waste are being reused or recycled.

These categories include:

  • Metal
  • Wood scraps
  • Wood pallets 
  • Concrete
  • Light bulbs
  • Used motor oil
  • Used tires
  • Batteries
  • Printer cartridges
  • Computers and other electronic waste
  • Used maintenance staff shirts

The district works with outside organizations to collect and recycle these materials. For example, old metal lockers and desk parts go to Alter Metal for recycling, outdated computers and other electronic waste is recycled by CDR Global, and unused LPS employee t-shirts go to Goodwill for fabric recycling.

In efforts to follow the Waste Hierarchy, programs to reuse materials are also being done. The Distribution Center stores surplus items found throughout the district so schools can shop for additional items they need. Some of the items reused within the district include sewing machines, pottery wheels, microwaves, file cabinets, and desks. Meanwhile, outdated curriculum books are sent to Follett to be redistributed and used in schools or libraries that need them. If there are items that are no longer viable for district use but are in good shape, they will be placed on the LPS Auction Site. These items range from early education toys and bookshelves to vacuums, dumpsters, and band uniforms. Auctions start every Monday and last for the entire week. 

The district has had great success with the auction system. In 2019 alone the district held 1,134 auctions and raised over $48,000. People have come from all over the country and world to get items used by the LPS district. A new high school in Guadalajara, Mexico bought the old weight machines from Southeast high school to use in their weight room! By choosing to reuse and recycle LPS is setting an example for schools around the world.

Start battery recycling collection at your school

To begin recycling batteries, designate a collection box in a centralized location at your school and notify staff where to put old batteries that were used around the building.
When the collection box is full, label it “Please Recycle” and send it in the inner office mail to the LPS Distribution Center. Please note this collection is for school battery waste only.