School Recycling Resources
State Mandates for California Public Schools
This poster highlights the recycling and composting state mandates that apply to California public schools. These mandates include AB827, AB341, AB1826, and SB1383
Foodservice, Dine & Sort Models for Schools during COVID-19
To ensure the safety of students and school staff, this quick guide provides recommendations for food distribution, waste reduction, clean up, and waste handling models. These models are designed to maintain school sustainability goals.
Notice to Public Schools – State Law Changes effective Sept. 15, 2020
While Alameda County’s Mandatory Recycling Ordinance does not apply to public schools, there are two State laws that require recycling and composting at public schools and districts. Effective September 15, 2020, the State requires more sites to have organics collection service; schools that generate two or more cubic yards of solid waste per week (garbage and recycling service volumes combined) must have organics service. This notice provides an overview of the State laws with links to resources and more information.
Custom Recycling Signs
Make compost, recycle and landfill signs for your school! Now you can show students and teachers how to properly sort materials by creating instructional recycling signs. It’s best to pick items that tend to get put in the wrong place, and to select as few items as possible.
Find more information on what you can recycle and compost in your school district by contacting your district’s waste hauler.
Locker Leftover Guide
The last days of school present a major waste reduction challenge and opportunity for schools. With a bit of pre-planning, schools can divert reusable and recyclable materials from the landfill while providing a more organized end-of-year clean-out procedure.
The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse, in partnership with StopWaste and the Alameda County Office of Education has produced a guide to end-of-school-year waste reduction.
Cafeteria Sorting Station Rollout Guide
Looking to kick off waste sorting in the cafeteria? StopWaste’s Cafeteria Sorting Station Rollout Guide provides some of the considerations and best practices to keep in mind as you build towards a successful sorting program at your school. This guide utilizes the 5-Step Action-Based Learning Model as a framework. However, there is no one-size fits all program for every school and you will have to tailor procedures to your particular school site.
Cafeteria Recycling Guide
StopWaste’s Cafeteria Recycling Guide illustrates one of the best practices in setting up your cafeteria sorting station – placing the bins in an order that will encourage proper sorting.