SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The Chittenden Solid Waste District (CSWD) has announced Champlain Elementary School in Burlington as the winner of its sixth annual Recycle Rally Challenge, while Williston Central School received the Change Maker Award. The Recycle Rally Challenge is a friendly, four-week competition designed to help schools improve recycling and compost sorting while encouraging students to reduce, reuse and recycle.

During the challenge, participating schools worked to increase recycling and composting accuracy by keeping trash out of collection bins and ensuring food scraps and recyclables were sorted correctly. Schools earned points based on sorting accuracy, with bonus points awarded for creative sustainability initiatives such as using reusable foodware in cafeterias or appointing student “Compost Captains” to guide peers and staff during lunch periods.

Champlain Elementary School achieved a standout 92 percent correct sorting rate. CSWD officials said students demonstrated strong enthusiasm and teamwork, making waste reduction a consistent daily practice across classrooms and shared spaces.

The Change Maker Award was presented to Williston Central School, which recorded a 204 percent improvement in sorting accuracy, driven by seventh-grade student Anna Claro, whose leadership inspired schoolwide participation during the challenge.

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