Freeland Elementary School students have been earning money and prizes for their school by collecting and recycling the drink pouches they use at home and in the lunchroom. Collections are made in both the K-2 and 3-6 buildings of the school. Freeland elementary students have just reached the second level of TerraCycle and Capri Sun’s Drink Pouch Brigade milestone contest by collecting more than 18,000 drink pouches. The students have earned more than $3,000 for their school by collecting the drink pouches. This money has been used to buy eight iPads and protective cases for the students and teachers to use in the classroom. The Drink Pouch Brigade is a free recycling program that rewards people for collecting and sending their waste to TerraCycle to be recycled or upcycled. The Milestone Program began in September 2013 when Capri Sun added prizes for collecting certain amounts. Now, in addition to the money they earn for each piece of waste collected, participants can win prizes made from recycled drink pouches, such as park benches, recycling bins, a playground and other rewards. “The Milestone Program is meant to inspire individuals and organizations to collect more waste while receiving prizes for their achievements,” said Tom Szaky, CEO of TerraCycle. “It is rewarding to see the students and administration get so involved in making this work. It’s an incredible achievement to have kept so many pouches out of the waste stream.”