Overview
Recycling isn’t one action — it’s a chain. This game turns the chain into a relay with four stations: Bin → Collection → Sorting → Bale. Teams build a simple LEGO “process model”, then run a simulated stream through it. Each round reveals bottlenecks and the cost of contamination.
Recycling Basics reminder: keep recyclables empty/clean/dry, and never bag recyclables. Accepted items vary by location — especially glass and cartons.
Learning objectives
- Describe recycling as a system with steps and constraints.
- Identify bottlenecks and quality checks.
- Understand why “empty, clean, dry” matters.
- Connect local rules to downstream outcomes.
Setup
- 4 table zones labeled: Bin, Truck, MRF Sorting, Bale.
- One LEGO pile + Brickit device per team.
- 30 stream cards per team (mix of recyclables + contaminants + special items).
- 1 timer and a simple scoreboard.
Game flow (30–45 min)
| Phase | Minutes | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Sort the pile | 6 | Teams sort LEGO bricks and assign them “material roles” (paper/plastic/metal/glass/trash). This mirrors stream categories. |
| Scan + choose | 5 | Scan with Brickit. Choose a simple “process model” idea (chutes, gates, conveyors). Set one improvement goal (speed or quality). |
| Build the process model | 10 | Build a LEGO model that represents the four stations. It can be symbolic (arrows and gates), not realistic. |
| Relay Round 1 | 6 | Move 20 cards through stations. At Sorting, teams decide: accept to bale, reroute, or reject. |
| Improve the system | 5 | Make one change: add a “quality check”, add a “special items” lane, or tighten a rule. |
| Relay Round 2 | 6 | Run the same 20 cards again. Compare outcomes. |
| Reflection | 2–7 | What station mattered most? What rule prevented the most errors? |
Metrics (keep it simple)
- Recovered: cards that reach Bale correctly.
- Rejected: cards removed from the stream.
- Contamination: wrong items that reached Bale.
- Throughput: cards processed in 6 minutes.
SDG connection
- SDG 12: Systems that enable responsible production.
- SDG 11: Sustainable cities (collection and infrastructure).
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