Mathematics is becoming increasingly more important for the growth and development of every society. At the same time, many Jamaicans express disquiet about students' performance in mathematics, and the extent to which they acquire the mathematical skills needed to function, according to Drucker (1997), as "knowledge workers" and productive citizens. In response, classroom teachers at the secondary level argue that they do not have enough resources to teach mathematics effectively, to achieve the goals and objectives of the curriculum.

The article uses action research techniques to explore a recycling initiative to assist teachers to acquire and use instructional materials to improve practice in the mathematics classroom. It shares aspects of my researchjourney into the 'World of Waste' accompanied by my team of pre-service and in-service teacher-participants, in search of mathematics resources. It brings into focus the physical and human resource treasures we unearthed amidst challenges and triumphs, with the Recycling and Resource Centre for Mathematics emerging as a significant find near the end of the journey.