Going green pays off in a big way for a New Jersey school. Elementary students in Wood Ridge, New Jersey saved up enough tubes and brushes to earn themselves a brand new playground! And – get this – the playground is constructed of recycled oral care product packaging such as toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, and floss containers. Talk about going green!

Each year Colgate, ShopRite, and TerraCycle team up to host the Recycled Playground Challenge as part of the Colgate Oral Care Recycling Program.   Schools recycle toothpaste tubes and caps, toothbrushes, toothpaste cartons, toothbrush outer packaging, and floss containers and earn points for each product submitted. The school that earns the most Playground Credits wins a new playground, and the playground is made of that recycled oral care waste. This year’s winner was Catherine Doyle Elementary School in Wood Ridge, NJ, and their new playground will be revealed this fall, according to the Ridgefield Park-Hasbrouck Heights Daily Voice. Learn more about the Recycled Playground Challenge and maybe even set up a collection bin  at your dental office or local school.