Recycling Project for Kids

If you and your family aren't recycling yet, now is the time to start! Try this recycling project for kids (and families) and set up your own recycling center.

What You'll Need:

  • Cardboard boxes
  • Marker

Recycling is one of the best things you can do for nature -- and for people. Recycling saves trees, energy and many other resources that we all need. And recycling helps reduce the amount of pollution and trash in the world.

To start your own recycling center, find out what items can be recycled in your area. (Call city hall or your local newspaper.) Then find out where items to be recycled can be dropped off -- or if they can be picked up at your home.

Illustration of a boy and girl recycling objects.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.
Make sure to put objects in the proper box.


It's easy to set up a center at your home so everybody will remember to recycle. Simply put cardboard boxes next to the trash can, and label them: "Newspapers," "Aluminum Cans" and "Glass Containers."

These are the items that are most commonly recyclable. In some areas, you can also recycle some kinds of plastic.

Recycling Facts
While the issue of pollution can seem overwhelming, there are solutions. Paper can be recycled after the ink is removed by a special process, and steel and aluminum cans can be melted down to make new cans. When making glass items, old glass can be added to new glass. This mixture needs a lower temperature during creation, so less energy will be needed.


Speak your mind about the environment and other concerns you may have with our voice your opinion project. Find out more on the next page of nature projects for kids.

For more fun nature crafts and projects, try: