Many students at Rolling Meadows High School consider lunch to be a break from class and a time to relax with friends. Recently, though, the cafeteria has been left messy after lunch periods, with trash such as wrappers, cartons, and leftover food left on tables and the floor.

Even though trash cans are placed around the cafeteria, many students still choose not to throw away their garbage. “Big groups of students regularly leave piles of trash on the lunch tables after lunch and it’s really the same groups of students who do it over and over,” said senior Bradley Runnion.

This behavior makes it harder for custodians to clean the cafeteria in the limited time they have between lunch periods. It also affects students who eat during later lunches, who often walk into an already messy space.

Keeping the cafeteria clean is something everyone at RMHS can help with. Taking a few seconds to throw away trash can make a big difference and help make lunch a better experience for everyone.