Reducing Waste at Schools

Schools accumulate tons of waste—from paper and computers to food and books. By learning how to properly handle this waste, school can influence the future of their school, school district, and students, and have a significant impact on the environment.

The following resources can be useful for facility managers, custodians, principals, school administrators, school green teams, cafeteria managers, and teachers.

Tools to Reduce Waste in Schools

The Tools to Reduce Waste in Schools (PDF) guide aims to make waste reduction efforts and environmental protection feasible and practical for schools and school districts.

This easy-to-use resource helps schools and school districts implement new, or expand upon existing, waste reduction programs.

Green Supplies & Waste in the Cafeteria

Students, parents, and teachers can all make a difference in reducing waste at school. Use Tips for Students and Schools to Reduce Waste to educate about the "3 R's" of waste reduction—reduce, reuse, and recycle — so we can all do our part.

Model Recycling Program Toolkit

this is a picture of cutting boards, vegetables, and a compost bin.

The Model Recycling Program Toolkit can help schools create effective programs for recycling, composting, anaerobic digestion, reuse, repair and waste reduction. Materials in the toolkit can help communities increase participation in recycling programs and reduce contamination in the recycling stream.

Learn About PCBs

PCBs — commonly used in building materials — were banned in 1979, but could still be affecting children's health. Find information and resources about polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), including factsheets, posters and more.

Safely Dispose of E-Cigarettes

a number of different styles of electronic cigarettes, or e-cigs, from the Centers for Disease Control with the words "E-cigarettes come in many shapes, sizes, and types.

Learn how to identify and safely dispose of e-cigarettes and their components, and find information for schools and small businesses.