Members of the Tyrone FFA are looking for donations of used crayons to recycle into new crayons, ornaments, and other crafts.

As a class, they have set a goal of collecting and recycling at least 2,000 pounds of used crayons.

“Crayons are nonbiodegradable, so it’s better for the environment to recycle them. That’s why we are trying to get 100% of the FFA members to get involved,” said freshman FFA member and project organizer Caleb Lawson.

The members will recycle used crayons to make special items to give to local children.

They plan to have their project completed in time for the YAN Halloween Event next October. Along with candy, the kids will get candles, and other objects created from the donated crayons from the FFA community.

The FFA members on the crayon project committee are freshman Trace Lingafelt, Caleb Lawson, Collin Musser, and Braden Parsons.

The students came up with the idea in their Introduction to Agricultural, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) class when they explored the human impact on the environment.  They were surprised to learn how many used and broken crayons end up in landfills.

Another benefit from this project is that the items, such as candles, they make out of the melted crayons are going to be donated.

Any crayons not recycled locally will be sent to the National Crayon Recycle Program (NCRP) to be turned into new products instead of being put into a landfill.

Donations can be made to the Ag classroom in 131, collection bins in each school’s main entrance, or at Ace Hardware in Tyrone.

The students plan to hang around posters around the elementary, middle, and high school. They also would like to spread the word by telling their local churches, and other FFA committees.

Collections of crayons will continue past the goal date, but the committee wants to get started on using the equipment they will be purchasing thanks to the Pennsylvania FFA Foundation Learning to Do grants. 

On December 21st, the chapter learned the committee was granted $500 to purchase the equipment needed to melt the crayons and molds to reshape them for other uses.  

Further questions should be sent to Mrs. Tiffany Hoy, FFA advisor at [email protected] or by calling 814-684-4240 ext. 3131