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    Home » Learning Activities for Preschoolers

    Published: Apr 18, 2022 · Modified: Feb 18, 2025 by Fynn · All activities should be supervised by an adult. This post may contain affiliate links.

    Sort Before You Recycle - A Fun Recycling Activity for Preschoolers

    Inside: Set up a fun recycling activity for preschoolers to learn about the 4 main types of recyclable materials and how to sort the trash. Download the printable at the end of the page.

    This recycling activity for preschoolers gets children to sort different items into different materials and slot them into the correct recycling bins.

    A printable recycling activity for preschoolers to learn how to sort recyclable materials
    Jump to:
    • Importance of Teaching Recycling to Preschoolers
    • Introducing Sort Before You Recycle - A Delightful Recycling Activity for Preschoolers
    • Download this Sort Before You Recycle - A Recycling Activity Printable
    • Download Sort Before You Recycle
    • More Activities to Teach Children to Love our Earth

    Importance of Teaching Recycling to Preschoolers

    Through this recycling activity, preschoolers learn about:

    • the four main types of recyclable materials: paper, plastic, metal and glass,
    • the recycling process,
    • how they can play a part so that more materials can be recycled.

    Sorting our recyclables is important because it ensures that materials will be sent to the correct recycling plant for processing. Did you know that 40% of what we place inside our recycling bins is not suitable for recycling? Single-use packaging, such as disposable containers and cups, for example, often cannot be recycled as they are contaminated with food. 

    So, you may be wondering, what happens to the non-recyclable materials?

    • Food waste should be composted.
    • Batteries and other old electronic devices go into special collection bins for electronic waste.
    • Reusables like clothes, shoes, stuffed toys that are in good condition should be donated.
    • Finally, trash that cannot be recycled, reused or composted are buried in landfills or incinerated. 

    Introducing Sort Before You Recycle - A Delightful Recycling Activity for Preschoolers

    Supplies

    • Scissors
    • Glue
    • 4 empty toilet rolls

    How to set up this Recycling Activity for Preschoolers

    • Print out Sort Before You Recycle 1 and 2. Scroll down to the end of the post to download this printable.
    • Cut out the pictures of the recycling bins and attach them on the empty toilet rolls. 
    • Cut out the holes on each recycling bin.
    • Cut out the pictures of different types of trash.

    We use toilet paper rolls to create our 'recycling bins' and demonstrate to kids how we can repurpose trash into a fun learning activity. 

    Sort the materials and place them in the correct recycling bins

    During the activity, get your preschoolers to sort the items according to their different materials: paper, metal, plastic and glass.

    Then pick out the trash that cannot be recycled (e.g. batteries, food, old toys, clothes and shoes).

    You can extend this activity by getting children to actually sort the trash at home and bring the recyclable materials to the recycling bins!  Remember, children can do their part to help our planet too! They just need us to show them how. 

    Children sort trash into recycling bins

    Download this Sort Before You Recycle - A Recycling Activity Printable

    Sign up for Happy Tot Shelf mailing list and get this Sort Before You Recycle printable activity. 

    Download Sort Before You Recycle

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      Save this post to your favorite Earth Day Activities board!

      A recycling activity for preschoolers to learn about recycling and sorting trash

      More Activities to Teach Children to Love our Earth

      Recycling is one way to do our part to protect the earth we live in. But if you're looking for more ways help your child be environmentally conscious, check out my 10 Earth Day Activities for Kids and download my Mini Printable Pack for Earth Day!

      When children discover the wonder and beauty of nature, they also learn to appreciate and care for it. So why not try these Garden Theme Learning Activities as well?

      Have fun!

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      About Fynn

      Fynn is a Math and Science teacher from Singapore, author of The Happy Learning Book for Siblings and founder of Happy Tot Shelf. She helps parents enjoy home learning with their children through her highly popular kids' activity membership, The Happy Learners' Club. Fynn has been featured in various newspapers, websites and on radio shows as an expert in early childhood learning and creative hands-on learning ideas.

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Patrizia says

        April 19, 2022 at 3:31 am

        Fantastic!

        Reply
      2. Deepti says

        August 25, 2022 at 11:33 am

        I liked the site

        Reply
      3. Zaitoon Aamir says

        April 12, 2024 at 4:14 am

        Love the way to introduce kids to learn in a fun way. Hats off to the person behind all this creativity. Keep up the good work. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

        Reply

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      Hi there! I’m Fynn—educator, author, and mom of three. I believe a lifelong love of learning starts at home, and I’m here to help you nurture that spark. Together, let’s create joyful learning experiences that strengthen bonds and inspire curiosity for both you and your little ones!

      More about me →

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