CBS Atlanta 46Georgia State student building school out of trash

Most of us hate garbage, but a Georgia State student can't get enough of it.

Justin Hargesheimer, 32, is spearheading a project in Guatemala to build a new school….out of trash!

Hargesheimer volunteers with the Peace Corps and is currently stationed in the small Guatemalan village of Nuevo Paraiso. He said the kids there often miss class because their current school floods.

"The 52 kids in this village of about 300 people are currently attending class via a shack and a dirt floor," he said.

He said trash makes great building material because it's cheap and abundant!

"Trash ends up in the river, on the street, in the soccer field, everywhere," explained Hargesheimer.

How does the process work?

Villagers collected 6,500 plastic bottles and stuffed them with inorganic trash like candy wrappers and Styrofoam. The "eco-bricks" are then tied onto chicken-wire frames and covered with stucco to form the school's walls.

Hargesheimer said the walls are sturdy but also lightweight-enough not to hurt anyone in case an earthquake hits.

In the end, students will gain a new school and a cleaner environment.

However, Hargesheimer said that's little compared to the joy he feels helping children receive an education.

"They're excited to see me. They get excited about stuffing the bottles, and I think they're really excited about moving into their new school," said Hargesheimer.

The 1,033 square-foot school will open Aug. 21.

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