The students at Chugiak Elementary School have been recycling aluminum cans for more than 10 years as part of a program to teach the kids about environmental responsibility.

A major part of the project is a white recycle bin located in the back of the school where students, families and the general public drop off bagged aluminum cans. Recently - and despite the words clearly written in 10-inch lettering "Aluminum Cans Only" - the receptacle has been filled with nonrecyclable and hazardous waste, putting the program in jeopardy.

According to health teacher Linda List, and coordinator of the recycling program, the bin has had a computer monitor, used motor oil, an oil filter, radiator fluid and Round-Up weed killer disposed in it.

"These materials are hazardous and require special disposal at the landfill," she said. "We would hate to have to discontinue this program, but we cannot expose our volunteers to these items or expect them to take them to the landfill."

Disposal of such items requires both extra time and in some cases money.

The disposal rates for a business to get rid of such material at the Hazardous Waste Collection Center at the Anchorage Regional Landfill range between 50 cents to $1 per pound. The landfill accepts paint, gasoline, batteries, fertilizers, cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, oil and antifreeze.

"If we have to pay the fee to dispose of these hazardous items, it will eliminate the funds raised that are used to pay for other programs at the school," List said. "We need people to understand our bin is for aluminum cans only and not general recycling, especially not hazardous materials."

Hill Top Recycling pays the school a few cents extra per pound to help the student- and volunteer-driven program make money.

List said the school appreciates the aluminum can donations from the community, but emphasized that the recycling is limited to just used aluminum cans.

"We cannot recycle steel food cans, foil or trash of any kind," she said. "Our recycling bin is for dropping off aluminum drink cans only."

Reach the reporter at darrell.breese.@alaskastar.com.