Austin Resource Recovery is committed to achieving zero waste by educating Austin’s youth to create the next Generation Zero! Austin Resource Recovery, in partnership with Keep Austin Beautiful, provides presentations and activity kits for students in kindergarten (K) through grade 12. Join us to engage youth in fun, hands-on activities to raise awareness about recycling, composting and conservation while fostering environmental stewardship.
Generation Zero in schools
Schedule multidisciplinary lessons that are Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) aligned to connect these experiences to real-world situations. All Generation Zero Waste programs are provided free of charge. Participating schools receive:
- Classroom presentations led by Keep Austin Beautiful. Presentations fit into a typical school block and range from 45 minutes for K–5th grade, 60 minutes for 6th to 8th grade and 55-75 minutes for high school students.
- Curriculum resources and supplemental activities.
- Guidance in the planning and implementation of a stewardship project.
Curriculum by grade level
K–Third grade
Lessons focus on teaching students about sorting waste, emphasizing the differences between landfill, trash, recycling and composting.
Fourth–Fifth grade
Lessons center around the composition of trash and recycling beyond the basics, integrating math and social studies concepts.
Middle and High school
Lessons explore the intricacies of our waste streams and builds a complex understanding of landfills and recycling systems.
Registration
Register to schedule a presentation and engage students in service. For questions, e-mail Keep Austin Beautiful or call (512) 391-0617.
Public resources
Teaching youth about zero waste is easier than ever with activity kits that are available for checkout. Activity kits come with an easy-to-follow lesson plan and all the supplies needed to lead the hands-on activities. View the Keep Austin Beautiful web page for full list of kits available, to request a kit or discover more zero waste resources.
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