Tsi Deldel Elementary School’s New Community Recycling System
Students at Tsi Deldel School were faced with a real challenge when they set out to promote recycling in their small community. Until recently, the small First Nations community of Tsi Deldel in Tsilhqot'in territory, Central British Columbia had no recycling infrastructure.
“Before we started the recycling program, our community was often littered with containers,” said Moray Kennedy, a teacher at Tsi Deldel Elementary School. “Now, residents are starting to deliver their recyclables right to our collection sheds at the school.”
In the winter season, the shed doors freeze shut – forcing students to sort recyclables outside in sub-zero temperatures. Wildlife, which is plentiful in the area, also creates challenges if the items aren’t secured. These obstacles have clearly not dampened the enthusiasm of students, who often ask, “Can we recycle today?”
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of students at Tsi Deldel Elementary School, which was spearheaded by 13 students in the grade four, five and six class, Return-It bins have been placed throughout the community. The school has since collected over 20,000 beverage containers, which are transported to Williams Lake for processing. That dedication was rewarded with a first place, $5,000 cash prize from the 2018/19 Return-It School Contest to support ongoing efforts.
Tsi Deldel Elementary plans to use the funds to support class field trips, and build on their success of bringing recycling infrastructure to the community.
