Recycling Pilot Study: Nutrition Explorations

Plastic Recycling Pilot Program Gains Participation

A study¹ by National Dairy Council® showed that when two school districts (in Texas and Virginia) implemented a recycling program for plastic milk bottles, the total amount of trash volume was reduced.

During a three month period, more than six tons of material was collected and recycled from a total of six schools (three in each district) rather than winding up in a landfill, thereby reducing trash pickup by 20 to 30 percent. The study demonstrated that plastic milk containers create the critical mass needed to make school recycling programs economically feasible and can even help schools work toward reducing their waste collection costs.

"This study clearly demonstrates that recycling programs can help schools cut costs while teaching kids practices that are good for the environment," said Patricia A. Enneking, vice president of the American Plastics Council.

How does plastic bottle recycling compare to paperboard carton recycling? Interestingly, most paperboard milk cartons currently are not recycled because of the limited number of recycling facilities capable of handling coated cartons.

Good for the Environment, and Good for Children's Health

Beyond recycling benefits, schools that switch from paperboard cartons to plastic bottles also realize another important benefit — students are drinking more milk, a nutrient-rich beverage providing calcium and other important nutrients their growing bodies need. Data show that offering milk in kid-appealing plastic bottles increases sales and consumption, and in many schools, even increases meal program participation.

Since introducing milk in plastic bottles to schools in 2002, 9,500 schools nationwide have added them to their meal line service and that number has been steadily increasing. In addition, a recent study² showed that 94 percent of students said the school milk in the plastic bottle had the better container. Eighty-six percent said that the plastic bottle was easier to drink from. Another study³ showed that students actually drink more milk when it's served cold in plastic bottles and in flavors they love.

"By offering milk in plastic bottles, students are getting a more appealing product and schools are making a better choice for child nutrition, as well as for the environment," said Rick Naczi, executive vice president, U.S. marketing, National Dairy Council.

Schools Can Take Action

Schools can learn more about adopting the New Look of School Milk in plastic bottles and recycling by visiting the New Look of School Milk section of this Web site!

¹ August 2005 School Recycling Pilot Test conducted by Container Recycling Services on behalf of the National Dairy Council.

² June 2005 survey of more than 300 school-aged children conducted by Peryam & Kroll Research Corp. on behalf of the National Dairy Council.

³ Roper ASW (2002). School Milk Pilot Study: Sales Test, September 2001-June 2002, Dairy Management Inc. and American School Food Service Association, Unpublished.