Sorting & Verification

After collection, Green Soldier sorts and verifies the materials based on type and condition. This step matters because recyclable materials lose value when they are mixed, contaminated, or recorded incorrectly. Plastic, paper, cardboard, metal, and bottle caps need to be separated before they can be processed further. Sorting also teaches students that recycling is not simply about throwing items into a different bin; it requires accuracy and responsibility. This process connects to a larger global recycling challenge. The OECD reported that only around 9% of plastic waste was recycled globally in 2019, while large portions were landfilled, incinerated, dumped, burned, or leaked into the environment (OECD, 2022). By emphasizing sorting and verification at the school level, Green Soldier helps students understand why proper separation is necessary before waste can become useful again.