Student Worksheet

Thought-starter: How many recyclable materials do I throw out?

Part A: What is recyclable?

Your teacher will provide you with a quiz. Once you have completed the quiz activity, work independently to answer the following questions:

1. What did you used to think about recycling?

2. What do you now think about recycling?

Part B: How much do I use?

For this part of the lesson you will be approximating your use and disposal of recyclable material, by completing the tables below. Each table focuses on different types of recyclable materials and should be completed simultaneously. To help you with this task, follow the steps outlined below. You may also choose to use the recycling posters as a guide.

1. Create lists: For each type of recyclable material, list all of the different products and items you might use within a week. Record these under the column heading Recyclable item and complete the Quantity used for each as well. Where necessary, put your items into groups (e.g. small boxes, large boxes) so that your lists do not become too long.

2. Approximate Disposal: For each item you have listed, approximate the quantity that is recycled and the quantity that is thrown away as rubbish. You may record these in the columns Quantity recycled and Quantity thrown away. Double check that these two columns add up to the figure in Quantity used.

3. Work out percentages: For each item you have listed, calculate the percentage of the quantity used that is recycled. Use the numbers you have collected in your calculations.

4. Average % Recycled: Now, for each different type of recyclable material, calculate the average percent of materials recycled. Use the percentages from the last step in your calculations.

Table 1. Paper and cardboard

Table 2. Plastic

Table 3. Aluminium and steel

Table 4. Glass

Part C: What is the effect?

Now that you have an idea about how much recyclable material you are using, you will investigate just how much recyclable material you could potentially be sending to landfill each year.

1. Paper and cardboard

Read the quote below:

Using your average percentage of recycled paper from Part B, work out how many kilograms of paper you would be recycling and, potentially, sending into landfill.

2. Plastic

Read the quote below and work out how many kilograms of plastic are produced per person in Australia.

Now, using your average percentage of recycled plastic from Part B, work out how many kilograms of plastic you would be recycling and, potentially, sending into landfill.

3. Aluminium and steel

Read the quote below and work out how many kilograms of aluminium and steel (combined) are produced per person in Australia.

Now, using your average percentage of recycled aluminium and steel from Part B, work out how many kilograms of aluminium and steel you would be recycling and, potentially, sending into landfill.

4. Glass

Read the quote below and work out how many kilograms of glass are produced per person in Australia.

Now, using your average percentage of recycled glass from Part B, work out how many kilograms of plastic you would be recycling and, potentially, sending into landfill.

Reflection

Work independently to answer the following questions:

1. How much recyclable material is thrown away by the whole country?

2. Would everyone throw out the same amount, roughly?

3. Are some states or territories better at recycling that others? Why?

4. What are some reasons people might throw away recyclables?

5. Evaluate your recycling habits as outlined in Part B and C and decide whether you are making responsible decisions regarding recycling. Give yourself a grade (A–E, 1–10, etc.) to represent how well you are performing and justify your decisions. You may also choose to provide reasoning for why you are throwing away some recyclable material, if this supports your rating decision:

Visy Education - To Bin or Not To Bin

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