Recycling Funds New Playground for Beasley Elementary

Frito Lay chips and Capri Suns are in no shortage at any elementary school, and students are reaping the benefits.

The school, along with staff and students at , has collected more than 90,000 chip and drink bags, earning them $1,735.92. 

They're among the top 100 chip bag collectors in the country through the company TerraCycle, and have used the funds to put up a new playground. 

But the school is spreading the wealth, donating to individuals in need as well. Beasley students have purchased baby chickens, a goose, honey bees, school supplies and clean water for people in third world countries. They've also donated meals to the needy.

Local businesses have donated bags and Mary Ann Frost, a School Food and Nutrition Services staff member, started her own collection at Mehlville High School. The Panthers donated more than 21,500 bags to Beasley. 

“My granddaughter attends Beasley, and she asked if I could do anything to help,” Frost said in a district release. “I don’t mind helping, and the kids here are good about recycling their bags.”

The elementary school students are also learning about the importance of recycling and the environment. 

“We occasionally include on the announcements how much we have raised and collected. The children are amazed you can raise that much money from trash,” said Beasley first-grade teacher Tammy Hagely. “We are working together to help our community and save the earth.”