Education

For Schools & Youth

 

Classroom Visits & Presentations

Our educators can visit your classroom, youth group, club, camp or scout group. We also provide adult education programs. Our youth education programs are free of charge. To schedule, contact us today. 

Current K-5th Programs (Custom tailored programs available upon request):

  • Edible Landfill
  • Worm Bin (Vermicomposting)
  • Recycle Relay
  • Paper Making
  • Compost Chef
  • Landfill in a Bottle
  • Zero Waste Lunch
  • Recycled Skyscrapers Challenge
  • Recycled Boats Challenge
  • Recycled Marble Track Race
  • Earth Bracelets
  • Green Shopper

 

Grant & Scholarship Opportunities 

The District and other organizations offer grants to cities, villages and schools to encourage recycling and sustainability. Please contact us for more information. 

 

Summer Camps

Pickaway County ( Hosted by Pickaway County Soil & Water, Pickaway County Park District, and RPHF Solid Waste District)

Fayette County (Hosted by Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District)

  • Discovery Camp

 

Contests

Earth Day Sidewalk Chalk Challenge

The RPHF Solid Waste District is hosting a sidewalk chalk drawing challenge in honor of Earth Day. This challenge encourages Kindergarten & First Grade classrooms in Pickaway & Fayette County to get outside and create drawings about the challenge theme. Please view the flyer for more information. 

 

America Recycles Day Poster Contest

The RPHF Solid Waste District hosts a poster contest for high school students in honor of America Recycles Day. Please view the flyer for more information. 

 

5th Grade Billboard Contest

We host a creative drawing billboard contest for all 5th graders in the four county district. The winning billboards (1 per county) are displayed the month of April in observance of Earth Day. Please have all entries submitted by January 31, 2025. Email lshreve@pickawaycountyohio.gov for a copy of the drawing template. 

Rule Sheet 2024-25 : (PDF Printer-Friendly Copy)

Drawing Template: (PDF Printer-Friendly Copy to Scale)

2024 Billboard Contest Results TBA:

  • Pickaway County 
  • Ross County
  • Highland County
  • Fayette County

 

Rossco's Litter Busters Club

Rossco’s Litter Busters Club is a do-it yourself program offered to children between the ages of 4-12 years to complete eco-friendly activities with a parent. It is designed to promote education & awareness of the negative impact of litter on our environment & foster environmental leadership within our local youth with prize incentives! Must be completed between April 1 - October 1, 2025. To participate complete the following tasks listed below from the three categories and take photo proof. (Printable Flyer)

Crafts (Complete 1 of the options):

Read & Watch (Complete 2 of the options):

Community Service:

  • Clean up litter at a public space such as a park or public recycling drop-off bin. Please wear proper safety gear and have adult supervision. Document how many bags of litter you cleaned and where you disposed of the collected litter. 

Submit your Work:

  • Please complete the google form and upload the photos of proof to earn your prizes for completing Rossco's Litter Busters Club! Google form link: https://forms.gle/Re2TMAtnrAQAnE5PA

 

Litter Kit Loan Program 

Are you interested in conducting a clean-up in your community? We will lend you the supplies! The kit includes safety vests, litter grabber tools, bags, gloves and a data form. There is no charge to borrow our kits as long as they are returned and unharmed. Please email lgrooms@pickawaycountyohio.gov to request kits. 

 

Secondhand Stationary Program

Our District office will accept unwanted office and school supplies! Items can be used/partial but must be in good condition. For example, we can accept partial boxes of ink pens, partial reams of paper or open bottles of craft paint. If you are unsure if we will accept your leftover supplies, please contact us. Your donated supplies will be kept at our office and are free for any student, teacher or club to use. Our goal is to keep usable material out of the landfill. Please contact lgrooms@pickawaycountyohio.gov for more info. (Printable flyer)

 

Ross CanCycle Program

The RPHF Solid Waste District has partnered with Rumpke Waste & Recycling to offer an easy fundraiser for all schools in Ross County to participate. Anyone can donate their aluminum cans to be recycled during the 2024-25 school year and Rumpke will pay an extra $0.05 per pound. All proceeds will go to your chosen school and give them a chance to win bonus cash prizes. Money earned from Ross CanCycle must be used towards extra-curricular activities affiliated with the school. It is up to each school to determine which program is in the most need for extra funds.

Can Drop-Off Location: Rumpke Chillicothe Transfer Station – 990 Eastern Ave, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

 

District Flyers & Educational Material

We can provide worksheets and recycling information to educators at any time. Simply reach out to our District Educators!

 

District Newsletter

We provide quarterly district newsletters to highlight activities in our four counties.