Free Recycling Games

Michael, Michael, Go Recycle!

• "Michael, Michael, Go Recycle" is a free online recycling game for children that can be found on the Kaboose website. In this game, the child uses the arrow keys to make a character walk around a park collecting recyclable items. Once the child has collected a number of items, he must find the proper recycling bins and deposit the items. This game is easy for even young children because, to pick up and deposit items, you simply walk into them. "Michael, Michael, Go Recycle" also shows the importance of teaching others to recycle, as the character walks into others to turn them into better recyclers.

Recycling Hunt

• A recycling hunt is a free game that also benefits the environment. Gather up household supplies such as large garbage bags and plastic gloves to pass out to the children. If you wish to turn this game into a scavenger hunt, write lists of commonly found items, such as empty pop cans, on scrap paper and pass those out to children as well. Otherwise, tell the kids that whoever gathers the largest amount of recycling is the winner. Set the kids loose in a local park to have fun while cleaning up.

Sorting

• Sorting recyclables is a fun game that can be played at home for free by children of all ages. Take a number of mixed recyclable items, such as empty cartons and bottles and place them in a large bin or simply in the center of the room. Label other containers, or designate spots on the carpet or floor with masking tape, for materials such as paper, plastic and metal. Have the children race to sort the items into the correct places. This is a fun game that helps children develop skills such as detecting similarities between objects.

Value

• Another game that can be played for free using recyclables from around the home involves the value of the items. Recycling centers will pay small amounts, such as 5 and 10 cents, for recyclable materials like newspapers, plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Write out questions such as "If an empty pop can is worth 5 cents, how much money will you get from the recycling center for 30 cans?" on pieces of scrap paper. Have the children answer the recycling value questions. They will enjoy competing against each other in elements such as speed and mental math.