River Asked, Binny Answered

River (a cartoon racoon) is an environmental explorer on a mission to recycle. Binny (a cartoon) is a bright blue recycling bin, friendly and full of knowledge. Together they make learning what to recycle easy and fun!

• Binny: Did you know aluminum cans are infinitely recyclable? Cans are recycled, and back on the shelf in as little as 2 months.
• River : Are plastic bags recyclable?
• Binny: No. These items are not recyclable curbside. Take these items to select retails stores for drop-off recycling. Tip: switch to reusable bags!
• River: What about excess tape on cardboard or plastic windows in mail or pasta boxes?
• Binny: No need to worry! Place them in the recycling bin.
• River: How clean must items be for recycling?
• Binny: Give accepted items a quick rinse. If it is too dirty, it's okay to place in the trash.

Going beyond the text

Student Activity

A good way to build reading and learning skills is to create a Know, Wonder and Learn (KWL) chart. While you are reading or learning new things, ask yourself questions. First, ask what you already Know about the subject. Then, ask what you Wonder or want to know about the subject. Then you read and ask what you have Learned about the subject.

Practice this KWL technique about recycling in your neighborhood. Before you start reading the pages of this publication, focus on the K and W sections of the chart. With your classmates or family members, make a list of all the things you wonder about and want to know. The next step is to read through this publication, jotting down notes in the final section of the chart.

Share what you have learned with your classmates. Discuss if anything was surprising to you or different than you expected.