I know this is probably too late for the Science project , but I recycle alot of stuff around here . I use empty coffee cans as containers for scraps until I can get them outside to compost piles . I put hair from hairbrushes in with it and add to compost to keep pests out too . I put leftover coffee ,coffee grounds with filters and all into them . Cut the bottom out of them and
plant between tomato
plants to get water to the roots , or use milk jugs and poke holes in the sides , bury up to about 3 inches from the top of the jug , fill with water . It works great . Toilet paper and paper towel rolls are shredded daily , along with newspaper and kept in a 5 gallon bucket in the corner until it is full , then take out and add to compost piles . Card board can be added too if shredded . Leaves that fall of
plants , as long as not from fungus or disease goes in the bucket too . Milk jugs make great bird feeders and waterers for birds , just cut holes in the sides 1/2 way up for the birds to get into them and poke holes for string to attach about 3 inches from top . Hang from a
tree and watch them eat . You can do that with soda bottles too . Milk jugs also make great hanging
plant pots , cut holes in sides 1/2 way up on all 4 sides , fill bottom with soil to about an inch from the holes , plop a
plant in , poke holes for the string and hang outside .
Leaves , don't rake and throw them to the curb , use a blower or rake and keep a pile near compost or in a bag with holes in it . Add to compost pile when you put scraps in the piles . Or another thing to do with leaves is pile them over the garden spot over winter to keep
weeds out and feed the soil , it also encourages earth worms to make themselves at home and air rate the soil for you . Shred the leaves and use as a mulch around flowerbeds too . As they decompose they feed the beds and protect from
weeds at the same time . You can just til into the garden when you are ready to til for
spring planting and then after rows are set , shred leaves and use them as mulch . Its free and easy mulch . If you don't have a shredder , fill a trash can and use a garden rake to break them up . Small kids work too , lol , they love to jump on the leaves and have a ball . My youngest is crazy , she does this for me . I just make sure she has on jeans and boots to keep her from scratching herself . I hold her hands so she does not fall and hurt herself and she has a blast . LOL . You can always just rake into a pile and let them jump til their hearts content . It gives them exercise and breaks the leaves up for you .
I have lots more but am running out of time right now . I will post more later I am sure .