Older students are ready for deeper engagement with environmental issues. StopWaste's 5th-12th grade programs emphasize project-based learning, data analysis, leadership development, and real-world impact.

more than 15 students and two adults celebrating with reusable water bottles in hand

5th–12th Grade

Climate Action Projects

StopWaste educators lead up to three 2-hour lessons where students investigate real environmental issues, conduct waste audits, analyze data, and develop solutions for their schools and communities. Projects range from campus sorting station improvements to peer education campaigns and food waste prevention initiatives.
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Student recording donated food at the food share table

School-Wide Challenge

Stop Food Waste Challenge

Participating schools average a 60% decrease in food sent to landfill. Students conduct scientific waste audits, set school-wide diversion targets, run campaigns for better sorting and food waste prevention, and measure progress through follow-up audits. Schools can also set up food share tables to recover surplus edible food.
Take the Challenge
students with their food waste reduction project

Leadership Program

StopWaste Ambassador Program

Middle and high school students become environmental advocates, working alongside city and school district partners to reduce waste and educate peers.

Applied Learning Day — Hands-on learning with city and district initiatives
Year-Long Action Projects — Individual projects applying 4Rs concepts
End-of-Year Celebration — Share accomplishments and inspire the next cohort

Eligibility: Middle and high school youth groups in Alameda County with an adult ally or advisor.
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Waste Audit Resources

Waste audits are the foundation of most StopWaste school programs. These tools help students and staff assess what's being thrown away and identify opportunities for improvement.

Waste Audit How To Guide

This quick how-to-guide provides a general overview of the steps to conduct a school waste audit.

Waste Audit Procedures

Step-by-step presentation for training student auditors. Also available as a slideshow.

Sample Waste Audit Data Sheet

A template for recording audit findings. Also available as a spreadsheet.

Food Waste Reduction with 4Rs Action Heroes!

Learn how to reduce wasted food at lunch with these tips from 4Rs Action Hero, Super Reducer

Additional Resources

Extend learning beyond the classroom with storytelling projects and family activities.

We Are the ReGeneration: Climate Action Storytelling

We Are the ReGeneration is more than a program—it's an intergenerational movement. Students and families become part of a collective identity committed to rebuilding a regenerative earth, documenting their actions through creative storytelling. The Concept The ReGeneration reframes how we think about environmental action. Rather than focusing on what divides generations, it positions everyone—students, parents, grandparents—as part of the same movement to create a healthy world for everyone. As one East Bay parent put it: "Together we can support a ReGenerative ReCovery by ReThinking what is

Take Action at Home with Your Family

Action Projects and Pathways When students take climate action at home, they multiply their impact and build lifelong habits. These resources help families work together to reduce waste, save food, and create a more sustainable future.

Request a Classroom Visit

Bring StopWaste educators to your classroom for Climate Action Projects, the Stop Food Waste Challenge, or customized presentations.
Submit an Inquiry