Best Practices for
School Waste Reduction and Diversion
Green SWoRD
School Year 2024-2025
Statewide Working Group for Municipalities & Volunteers
Implementing Waste Reduction Programs in K-12 Schools
Mission of the Project
An ongoing working group of municipalities and volunteers that are invested in school waste reduction and diversion. Members meet virtually four times a year with other municipal officials and volunteers to review topics, share experiences and learn from peers while working on the funding, marketing, implementation and management of school waste reduction programs.
Schedule:
Monday 1:00pm-2:30pm
Gear up for the New School Year
Tweak existing programs, plan for volunteer transitions, implement new programs.
Tuesday 11:00am-12:30pm
School Waste Reduction Kickoff - America Recycles Day - November 15
School Waste Bans, School Recycling Policy and appropriate school signage should be in place. Campaign to Join The Green Team.
Thursday 10:00am-11:30am
Plan Earth Day Events & Ensure you qualify for SMRP grants
Municipalities need to confirm that their schools are recycling per their Annual Solid Waste and Recycling Survey submissions to MassDEP.
Thursday 10:00am-11:30am
Program Evaluation
Review Earth Day activities, promote Reuse and Recycling, review end of year planning (locker/desk cleanout, supply donation or reuse).