What to Do with Old School Supplies?

Assessing and Sorting School Supplies

The process starts with identifying which items can be reused and which ones need to be discarded. We will focus on how to sort reusable supplies and manage damaged or broken items.

Identifying Reusable Supplies

First, we should gather all the school supplies in one space. Items like pencils, notebooks, books, and binders should be closely inspected.

If the pencils are still long enough to use, and the notebooks or books have blank pages left, they can be kept. Binders and folders in good condition can also be reused.

• Crayons and colored pencils should be checked for usability. Broken ones can still be used if they’re not too small.
• Markers and dry erase markers should be tested to see if they still write smoothly.
• Calculators that power on and function correctly are worth saving.
• Glue sticks that are not dried out and rulers that are not broken can be reused.

Erasers and hand sanitizer should be checked for cleanliness.

Sorting Damaged or Broken Items

Once reusable items are set aside, we focus on the damaged ones. Broken Pencils, torn notebooks, and folders with missing parts need proper disposal.

• Crayons broken into small pieces might be too hard to use.
• Markers that have dried out are of no use.
• Old or damaged calculators may not work reliably and should be handled correctly.

Glue sticks that are dried up and unusable should be discarded. Rulers with cracks or missing sections can’t serve their purpose well.

Cleaning supplies, like used hand sanitizer bottles or dried-up glue sticks, should also be discarded responsibly. These steps help ensure that we keep only what is useful and in good condition. This process helps us set the stage for a fresh start with organized and functional school supplies.

Creative Reuse and Upcycling Ideas

We can breathe new life into old school supplies by turning them into unique projects and crafts. Below are some fun and practical ways to reuse and upcycle these items.

DIY Projects for Home and School

Let’s start by turning empty glue bottles and plastic containers into useful pencil holders or desk organizers. Just clean them out and decorate with paint, stickers, or glitter.

Cardboard boxes, like those from old cereal, can be used to create small storage bins. Cut and cover them with wrapping paper or fabric for a fresh look.

Transform old notebooks or paper scraps into a unique notepad. Just cut the paper to size, stack it, and secure the edge with a glue stick or staples.

We can also repurpose used metal and aluminum cans. Clean them thoroughly and they can double as art supply holders or mini planters for the classroom.

Electronics like old calculators can be used as parts in tech projects. Disassemble safely and see which parts can be reused in DIY circuits or other engineering ideas.

Crafting with Unused or Old Supplies

Let’s use our extra art supplies for crafting. Embroidery floss can make beautiful friendship bracelets. Knot and braid them to create different patterns and share them with friends.

Leftover beads can be strung together for jewelry or glued onto picture frames and cards for added sparkle.

Old notebooks and office supplies can be transformed creatively. Pages from notebooks can be used for scrapbooking or collages, while staples and paper clips can add structure to your crafts.

We can turn empty glass and metal containers into decorative vases or lanterns. Use paint or decoupage techniques to personalize them.

Collect and save plastic bags to create woven mats or eco-friendly tote bags. Cut the bags into strips and braid or weave them together for a sturdy, reusable product.

By getting creative, we can turn seemingly useless items into something practical and fun while reducing waste.

Donation and Recycling Options

We can make a difference by donating or recycling our old school supplies. Here’s how:

Local Schools and Educational Programs

Many local schools welcome donations of usable school supplies. Teachers often buy classroom materials with their own money, so any contribution can help. Let’s start by contacting neighborhood schools to see what they need. Items to consider include:

• Backpacks
• Pencil sharpeners
• Clipboards
• Lunch boxes
• Classroom supplies

Local educational programs, like after-school activities and summer camps, also benefit from donations. Supplies such as sports equipment, used books, and facial tissue are often in demand. We should reach out to these programs to provide any extra materials we have.

Specialized Recycling Programs

Items that can’t be donated may still be recyclable. Specialized recycling programs focus on specific materials or products.

TerraCycle, for example, offers free recycling programs for various hard-to-recycle items like rubber bands and stickers. Some office supply stores also have drop-off bins for items such as batteries and pens.

Check online or local resources to find recycling programs that accept your specific supplies. This helps ensure our old items are properly managed and not wasted.