Education Program

Protecting the environment isn’t just important, it can be fun!

Browse our collection of educational games and videos that teach students about recycling, waste reduction, composting, waste-to-energy and other ways to save the world a little each day.

These activities also fit into NYS curriculum requirements for grades 3 – 5, so teachers can easily integrate them into lesson plans. Check out the content below to get started, or contact us to schedule a classroom presentation.

For best results, you should view these games on a desktop computer. Many of the games will not work well on mobile devices.

Overview
Composting
Recycling
Reduction
Trash
Bonus

Overview

Wonder what OCRRA is and how we operate here in Onondaga County? This video:

Provides an overview of the history of recycling and trash disposal in our community
Explains how OCRRA came to be
Outlines OCRRA's four-part system, which preserves resources and keeps our community beautiful

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Do you know the difference between trash, recycling and composting? This educational sorting game will help teach you what belongs where!

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Curriculum addressed:

CCSS ELA RI 3.7, 4.7, 5.7
CCSS ELA RI 3.1, 4.1, 5.1
CCSS ELA RI 3.4, 4.4, 5.4
NYS Science Standard 4: Living Environment

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Composting

Composting transforms unwanted food scraps and yard waste into materials that keep landscapes and gardens healthy and beautiful.

Learn how the composting process works
Discover how you can get started at home – or with a little help from OCRRA

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In a type of composting called vermicomposting, worms play a key role by breaking down food scraps. See for yourself by helping Vernon the worm break down apple cores in this fast-paced composting game!

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Curriculum addressed:

CCSS ELA RI 3.7, 4.7, 5.7
CCSS ELA RI 3.1, 4.1, 5.1
CCSS ELA RI 3.4, 4.4, 5.4
NYS Science Standard 4: Living Environment

View Activities

Recycling

Your blue bin is one part of the recycling process. Check out this video to learn:

What items can be recycled
What happens to them once they are collected on garbage day
What new things are made from the everyday items you recycle

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Ready to become an expert on which items can be recycled in your blue bin? Test your recycling knowledge – and your reflexes – with this fun blue bin "catch" game.

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Curriculum addressed:

CCSS ELA RI 3.7, 4.7, 5.7
CCSS ELA RI 3.1, 4.1, 5.1
CCSS ELA RI 3.4, 4.4, 5.4
NYS Science Standard 4: Living Environment

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Reduction

Preserving our natural resources and reducing waste are things you can do anywhere, including at school, at home, or in your community. Get tips on how you can do your part to help save the world a little each day!

Download Video

Reducing waste comes down to the small decisions we make each day. Practice your waste-reduction skills by choosing between items and activities in our "this" or "that" game.

Download Game

Curriculum addressed:

CCSS ELA RI 3.7, 4.7, 5.7
CCSS ELA RI 3.1, 4.1, 5.1
CCSS ELA RI 3.4, 4.4, 5.4
NYS Science Standard 4: Living Environment

View Activities

Trash

Preserving our natural resources and reducing waste are things you can do anywhere, including at school, at home, or in your community. Get tips on how you can do your part to help save the world a little each day!

Download Video

Reducing waste comes down to the small decisions we make each day. Practice your waste-reduction skills by choosing between items and activities in our "this" or "that" game.

Download Game