KIDS EARN TRASH CASH RECYCLING NETS SCHOOLS $17,160.

Byline: Daily News

Children at 20 local elementary schools have recycled more than 17,000 pounds of aluminum, raising $17,160 for their schools during the Total Trash Out sponsored by Blue Barrel Disposal.

The program, an aluminum can contest collection among schools, helped schools raise money. Revenue from the program goes directly to each participating school. The program also teaches children about the importance of recycling.

Castaic Elementary and Plum Canyon Elementary were the winners of this year's competition. Castaic was recognized for the ``Most Pounds Overall,'' collecting 2,967 pounds of aluminum cans, while Plum Canyon won ``Most Pounds Per Student Average,'' with 2.92 pounds per pupil and a total of 1,899 pounds.

The winning schools will receive a lunch party, a $250 gift certificate to the Valencia Town Center and tickets for all pupils to Mountasia Family Fun Center. Classrooms within the winning schools that collected the most cans also won tickets to Six Flags California's Magic Mountain. The list of participating schools and their collection totals can be found at www.bluebarrel.com.

``The Total Trash Out program motivated our students to learn about recycling and its positive impact on our environment,'' said Janet Wiese, principal at Plum Canyon. ``The prizes and other donations, as well as the additional funding for our school, made this a rewarding experience for students and teachers alike.''