Preschool science worksheets on Waste Management, great for Earthday! - Free Printable

Problem Description:

The task is to sort various items into two categories: Recycle and Compost. The goal is to determine which items belong in each bin based on their material and whether they can be recycled or composted.

Solution:

#### Step 1: Understand the Categories
- Recycle: Items that can be processed and reused for new products. These are typically made of materials like paper, plastic, glass, metal, etc.
- Compost: Items that can break down naturally over time and turn into nutrient-rich soil. These are typically organic materials like food scraps, leaves, and plant-based items.

#### Step 2: Analyze Each Item
Let's examine each item provided in the image and decide where it belongs:

1. Paper bag: Made of paper, which is recyclable.
- Category: Recycle

2. Plastic bottle: Made of plastic, which is recyclable.
- Category: Recycle

3. Empty soda bottle: Made of plastic (or glass, depending on the type), which is recyclable.
- Category: Recycle

4. Cotton clothing: Made of natural fibers (cotton), which can decompose but is not typically recycled in standard recycling programs.
- Category: Compost

5. Banana peel: Organic waste that can decompose naturally.
- Category: Compost

6. Leaf: Organic matter that can decompose naturally.
- Category: Compost

7. Glass bottle: Made of glass, which is recyclable.
- Category: Recycle

8. Bottle cap: Typically made of plastic or metal, which is recyclable.
- Category: Recycle

9. Shoe: Made of various materials (leather, rubber, fabric), some of which may not be easily recyclable. However, leather and fabric can decompose over time.
- Category: Compost

10. Fish bone: Organic waste that can decompose naturally.
- Category: Compost

#### Step 3: Final Sorting
Based on the analysis above, here is the final sorting:

- Recycle Bin: Paper bag, Plastic bottle, Empty soda bottle, Glass bottle, Bottle cap.
- Compost Bin: Cotton clothing, Banana peel, Leaf, Shoe, Fish bone.

Final Answer:

- Recycle: Paper bag, Plastic bottle, Empty soda bottle, Glass bottle, Bottle cap.
- Compost: Cotton clothing, Banana peel, Leaf, Shoe, Fish bone.

$$
\boxed{
\text{Recycle: Paper bag, Plastic bottle, Empty soda bottle, Glass bottle, Bottle cap.}
}
$$
$$
\boxed{
\text{Compost: Cotton clothing, Banana peel, Leaf, Shoe, Fish bone.}
}
$$