Kelly Mill Elementary is a Wicked Cool School

School Wins National Recycling Contest and Community Can Help

The students and teachers at Kelly Mill Elementary School ended the year on a green and clean note, winning $250 and toothpaste samples for their recycling efforts in the Wicked Cool!™ School Sweepstakes sponsored by Tom’s of Maine™ and recycling pioneer TerraCycle®.

The contest encouraged schools across the country to collect toothpaste, mouthwash, floss and deodorant packaging through the Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Brigade®, an ongoing recycling program. In addition to the prize, the school earns money for each piece of waste they send in.  The waste, which would otherwise end up in landfills, is sent to TerraCycle to be recycled.

The money will be put into the school’s general PTA fund, which is used for things like classroom equipment, supplies for teachers, school activities and special area teachers.

“I am thrilled that our school became involved with TerraCycle,” said Heather Cates, the Brigade leader at Kelly Mill Elementary. “I think it’s important to raise environmental awareness at the elementary level to make this a way of life for kids. Recycling isn’t an option anymore; it’s a must.”

Cates invites the community to get involved in the Brigade programs at Kelly Mill Elementary.  Interested individuals can email her at hcates1@yahoo.com for more information.  In addition to the items collected through the Natural Care Brigade, the school also collects Capri Sun drink pouches, candy wrappers, Malt-O-Meal cereal bags, Kraft Cheese packaging, Elmer’s glue bottles and others. 

To learn more or get involved in the Tom’s of Maine Natural Care Brigade, please visit www.terracycle.com.