News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > New School Joins County Recycling Program

New School Joins County Recycling Program

Serrano High Added to Growing List of Participants

By Michael P. Neufeld
Sunday, October 12, 2008

Phelan, CA - Serrano High School, in Phelan, recently joined with the County of San Bernardino in establishing a school-recycling program to collect beverage containers and paper. The formal kick off event was held at the school recently.

Serrano High School is one of many schools in the Snowline Joint Unified School District, including the neighboring Piñon Mesa Middle School that has joined with the County in establishing recycling programs. Serrano is located at 9292 Sheep Creek Road in Phelan.

Earth Science Teacher Jeff Dyerly is the project coordinator of the beverage container-recycling program and Biology Teacher Anita Arnold handles the paper-recycling program. Joining the Outdoor and Environmental Club as participants this year are the PEER Ambassadors, the Baseball Team and the Spanish Club. Since the program began in late 2007, more than $5,000 has been raised. The participating clubs use their proceeds to buy needed items such as bats and gloves.

"Since school started this year in August, we have processed 1,040 pounds of CRV (California Refund Value) recyclables which translates to roughly $1,000 that the various clubs has raised so far," said Dyerly. "This does not include the paper recycling, as we do not earn any money for that part. It does, however, contribute significantly to cutting the amount of trash that is generated on campus, in that we have reduced the number of dumpsters on campus and have achieved a tremendous cost savings for our custodial budget."

The County beverage container-recycling program is one of several County initiatives to reduce waste, save resources and help the County comply with state-mandated waste-reduction goals. To date, the County has established 30 beverage container recycling programs throughout the unincorporated areas, including 17 schools. The program provides technical assistance, recycling bins, signage and promotional/educational materials to participants, and is open to community groups and schools.

Several outlets are available in the San Bernardino Mountains:

SECOND SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT

Camp Paivika-AbilityFirst - 600 Playground Drive - Crestline (909) 338-1102

The Children's Forest is located in Running Springs. (Photo by Michael Neufeld.)

THIRD SUPERVISORIAL DISTRICT

• Baldwin Lane Elementary School Booster Club (K-6) - 44500 Baldwin Lane - Big Bear City (909) 585-7766
• Charles Hoffman Elementary School (K-6) - 2851 Running Springs School Road - Running Springs (909) 336-0370
• Children's Forest & Children's Forest Visitor Information Center (VIC) - 2625 Whispering Pines Drive - Running Springs (909) 867-5996
• North Shore Elementary School (K-6) - 765 North Stanfield Cutoff - Big Bear Lake (909) 866-7501
• Rim of the World High School (9-12), 27400 Highway 18 - Lake Arrowhead (909) 336-2038

More information can be found at http:www.sbcounty.gov/dpw/solidwaste or by calling (909) 386-8914.