Case Study: Meridian High School, USA
A deep dive into Meridian High School and what makes their project so special.
Who are Merdian High School?
Meridian High School, an IB World School located in Falls Church, Virginia, is redefining how sustainability is taught in the classroom. With a strong focus on design thinking and real-world application, the school launched a hands-on recycling program that turns everyday waste into learning opportunities.
Using a mobile recycling center outfitted with equipment from Sustainable Design Studio, students began processing community plastic waste, primarily polypropylene (PP) from lunch containers. This project became an integral part of the MYP and IB Design Technology curriculum, where students explore the principles of the circular economy, resource management, and material reduction.
From problem identification to production, learners engage in every stage of the design cycle, sketching concepts, creating CAD models, and manufacturing products themselves. They even designed and built the mobile cart that houses the recycling equipment, developing a complete workflow that includes collecting, shredding, and injection moulding plastic into new forms.
Students are now experimenting with creating their own moulds, both 3D printed and CNC machined from aluminium, designed using Autodesk Fusion. Their current project, a limited run of chess sets made entirely from recycled lunch containers, demonstrates how creative design and sustainable practice can work hand in hand.
What Do They Make?
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Plant Pots
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Carabiners
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Wall Climbing Grips
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Frisbee
What Makes Meridian’s Approach Special?
There are many ways to teach sustainability, but few make it as tangible as this. Here are a few of the key reasons Meridian High School’s recycling initiative has been such a success.
Learning Through Making
At Meridian, students don’t just talk about recycling, they do it. The process of shredding, melting, and moulding plastic gives them a tactile understanding of how materials behave, turning abstract sustainability lessons into hands-on learning experiences.
Collaboration Across Subjects
The recycling project connects design, science, and environmental studies. Students apply physics, chemistry, and art concepts together, revealing how sustainability touches every discipline and encouraging cross-curricular teamwork.
Closing the Loop Locally
Instead of sending waste off-site, the school reuses its own discarded materials like cafeteria trays within the classroom. This closed-loop system shows students that sustainability can start on a small scale, right where they are.
Empowering Future Innovators
By using professional-grade equipment in a school environment, students gain early exposure to tools and processes used in modern sustainable manufacturing. This experience inspires interest in careers in design, engineering, and environmental innovation.
Real-World Design Thinking
Each student is challenged to design products that solve real problems around the school or within their community. This bridges design theory and practical application. A key component of the IB curriculum and future-ready learning.
A Model for Other Schools
Meridian’s setup demonstrates that meaningful sustainability education doesn’t require industrial-scale infrastructure. With compact recycling machines and guidance from Sustainable Design Studio, any school can replicate this model and make local recycling tangible for students.
Sustainable Design Studio Supplied
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Shredder Basic
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Arbour Injection Machine
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Fume Extractor
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Custom Moulds
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Consultancy & Support
Lets Hear Directly From Meridian High School
Below is a video pulled from Meridian High Schools Youtube channel. Take a moment to watch their video and maybe even give them a like and subscribe for being such an inspirational recycler!
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