Green Bin:
Setting Up Your Program

Letting everyone know about the Green Bin Program and how it will work in your school is a team effort and an ideal project for your EcoTeam. 

1. Setting up a green bin TEAM

Having a dedicated group of people to help plan the Green Bin Program roll-out at your school can lead to a much more effective implementation. Things to consider:

• Start small and do it well! If you have a large school, begin in one location like the cafeteria (and expand later)

• Include those who produce green bin waste such as daycare, breakfast, snack and lunch programs, food programs, etc.

• Decide how often you will meet before and after the launch

• Keep a calendar with timelines, steps, and targets

• Ask for staff input, identify issues, and be sure to address concerns

• Set up a routine to collect, empty, and clean all green bins

• Position containers and posters the day before the launch

• Establish student green bin monitors to inspect green bins for contamination and education

2. Developing your promotional plan

Consider some of the following ideas when developing your promotional plan.

• Ask the Principal to send a memo to teachers endorsing the program

• Discuss the program at staff meetings

• Post banners in your front entrance, posters in the hallways, or notices on your website

• Distribute posters to classrooms, cafeterias, kitchens, food prep areas, etc.

• Engage students by inviting them to sign a commitment poster

• Develop a script for daily PA or class announcements

• Prepare a green bin team presentation that travels from class to class 

• Have an assembly the day before or morning of your launch

• Write school newsletter articles; use social media

3. Launching your program

• Train student monitors the week before your launch on collection routines and doing visual checks to see what is in the bins and take out anything that does not belong. Provide them with a green bin button, sash, or T-shirt

• Green bin team/student monitors debriefs monthly: 

  • What worked well? 

  • What would you eliminate or add?

  • What challenges did you identify?

4. Expanding your program

Once you've been running a successful program for at least a few months you may want to consider expanding green bin collection to other areas of the school.

To prepare for expansion:

• Assess the current program. See if there are areas of the school where you could improve sorting and/or use additional bins

• Order additional bins as needed - and EcoSchools offers a rebate on your classroom-sized bins!

• If your school needs additional 35 gallon bins or if you are interested in seeing if it is possible to replace them with a outdoor front-end container, the Caretaker can contact their Facility Team Leader