It makes cents to recycle—two cents per waste product, to be exact. That's how much some central Arkansas schools are making each time they turn in a piece of trash to a company called TerraCycle.

TerraCycle takes products that previously could not be recycled, like Capri Sun packages and many food wrappers, and "upcycles" them. This means that minimal energy is used and the products don't completely change form, creating things like Starburst insulated lunchboxes and Capri Sun backpacks.

Tamonica Jenkins, second grade teacher at Huda Academy, decided to get involved with TerraCycle when she noticed the large number of Capri Suns her students were drinking. She researched the company online and realized it was the perfect way to make use of her students' trash and to raise money at the same time.

"The students get involved and they feel like they're helping the school in their own way," she said. Jenkins explained that many students and their families aren't otherwise able to contribute money to the school, but this program helps them feel like they're making a difference. "They're giving back to the earth and to the school," she said.

Huda Academy, which began the program in October 2009, recently received its first check from TerraCycle for $48.16. Jenkins pointed out that at 2 cents per package, this was quite an accomplishment. She said the money will be used either for art supplies or for such playground equipment as jump ropes and soccer balls. She also said she plans to start collecting either chip bags or Lunchable containers this year and hopes to add a new product every year.

Chenal Elementary, an environmental awareness and creative expression school, is another participant in the program, and they too collect Capri Sun packages. According to Curriculum Theme Specialist Amy Braswell, students drop their drink pouches in a box conveniently located in the cafeteria. To date, Chenal Elementary has raised $78.40, simply by donating their trash.

"We've got to start finding ways to reduce the amount of trash that we're producing so that our children's children aren't walking around in garbage one day," Braswell said. "Recycling is a way that [students] can take part."

And on top of the money that schools and other charities receive for their contributions, TerraCycle also pays the postage for every item sent in, so there's no cost to the school to participate. For more information about TerraCycle, the products they accept, or how you can get involved, visit TerraCycle.net.