Jackson County - Recycling

Youth participating in the recycling project will learn how to make homes, communities, and our world safer, cleaner, and more efficient. Youth will know what recycling means to our environment and by doing something large or small they can make a difference.

Project Resources

accessibility statement:

The following PDF documents are available in print in the Jackson County Purdue Extension Office.

Exhibit guidelines

All posters, notebooks, and display boards must include a reference list indicating where information was obtained, giving credit to the original author, to complete the 4-H member’s exhibit. This reference list should/might include web site links, people and professionals interviewed, books, magazines, etc. It is recommended this reference list be attached to the back of a poster or display board, be the last page of a notebook, or included as part of the display visible to the public. A judge is not to discredit an exhibit for the manner in which references are listed.

Note: All Levels - Choose one. Exhibit topics cannot be repeated. Posters should follow requirements for posters as defined in this requirement book under the miscellaneous section. Reports should be a maximum of two pages.

Reports can be either hand written in ink or typed, however, the work must be that of the 4-H’er. 4-H member must fill out a record sheet to be turned in with the green/white record book. 

exhibit class guidelines
Beginner (Grades 3 - 5)

Exhibit one of the following: 

  1. Make a useful or decorative object from items normally thrown away. Exhibit should not exceed 2'x2'x2' and must include a written explanation of the article, what was used to make it and how it will be used. It should also include a list of involved costs. The project should be age appropriate. 
  2. A poster, report or power point on one of the following topics:
    • Identifying and preparing recyclables
    • The seven recycling codes
    • The 3 R's
  3. Design a poster to promote recycling
  4. Action Demonstration
intermediate (Grades 6 - 8)

Exhibit one of the following: 

  1. Make a useful or decorative object from items normally thrown away. Exhibit should not exceed 2'x2'x2' and must include a written explanation of the article, what was used to make it and how it will be used. It should also include a list of involved costs. The project should be age appropriate.
  2. Construct a compost bin and start a composting program in your home. Make a poster or write a report telling about your project. Be sure to include photos. Report should be no longer than four pages including pictures. 
  3. A poster, report or power point on one of the following topics:
    • Identifying and reducing excessive packaging
    • Starting a recycling program in your home
    • Disposable vs. durable items
    • Nonrenewable and renewable resources
    • Decomposition of waste
  4. Write and record a social media campaign to promote recycling. Submit video and written script with a link to your YouTube video included.
  5. Action Demonstration
advanced (Grades 9 - 12)

Exhibit one of the following: 

  1. Make a useful or decorative object from items normally thrown away. Exhibit should not exceed 2'x2'x2' and must include a written explanation of the article, what was used to make it and how it will be used. It should also include a list of involved costs. The project should be age appropriate. 
  2. Make and label a model of a landfill. Exhibit should not exceed 2'x2'x2'.
  3. A poster, report or power point on one of the following topics:
    • Water usage and conservation
    • Household Hazardous Wastes
    • Disposal of industrial waste, oil, just cars, old appliances, farm chemicals & batteries
    • Septic system operation and problems
    • Your involvement in a community recycling program
    • An interview with an older adult on recycling practices in their lifetime
  4. Write and record a social media campaign to promote recycling. Submit video and written script with a link to your YouTube video included.
  5. Action Demonstration

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUTUBE: The video URL MUST come from a YouTube account of a parent, guardian, or other adult mentor over the age of 18. We will not publish video URLs that come from a minor's YouTube account.