Welcome to the Zero Waste Guidebook, your comprehensive resource for integrating sustainable policies and practices into schools. This platform is designed to support school administrators, volunteers, policy makers, and staff who are new to sustainability roles within their districts.
Here, you'll find guidance on implementing recycling programs, reducing waste, developing zero-waste policies, and setting achievable sustainability goals. Additionally, this guide aims to demystify the political and bureaucratic processes involved in turning policy into practice.
Understanding the importance of sustainability in education
Key concepts and terminology
Steps to initiate sustainability efforts
Roles and responsibilities of sustainability coordinators
How to establish sustainability positions in your organization
Templates, checklists, and guides
Funding opportunities and grants
Links to external resources and organizations
The Green Team - is an interactive educational program for K-12 schools in Massachusetts that empowers students and teachers to help the environment through waste reduction, reuse, recycling, composting, energy conservation and pollution prevention. It is an environmental program for Massachusetts students, grades kindergarten through twelve, sponsored by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs and Department of Environmental Protection.
Strategies for developing and implementing sustainable policies
Tips for gaining stakeholder buy-in
Examples of successful sustainability policies in schools
Brookline School Composting Guide - The Brookline School Compost Guide offers a comprehensive framework for schools aiming to establish effective composting programs. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration among administrators, kitchen and custodial staff, students, families, and teachers, ensuring a unified approach to waste reduction. The guide provides a step-by-step process, from initial assessments and forming a dedicated composting committee to implementing infrastructure and monitoring progress. By detailing equipment needs, data collection methods, and engagement strategies, it serves as a valuable resource for schools seeking to develop sustainable waste management practices.
Year-round planning guide for sustainability initiatives. What to think about and when it's relevant.
Monthly focus areas and key activities
Important dates and events related to environmental awareness
Implementing recycling and composting programs
Reducing food waste and promoting zero-waste practices
Case studies and success stories
Bedford Public Schools successfully eliminated single-use foam trays across all four schools by switching to reusable stainless-steel trays, cutting nearly 6,000 pounds of waste and saving over $11,000 annually. This zero waste initiative, supported by PlasticFreeRestaurants.org, also reduced over 260,000 disposable items each year and achieved full return on investment within one school year.
Building partnerships with local organizations
Engaging students, parents, and community members
Promoting initiatives beyond the classroom
Arlington Public Schools have demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability through various initiatives. The district has implemented comprehensive recycling programs, actively promoting waste reduction and environmental stewardship among students and staff. Additionally, the schools participate in composting efforts, converting organic waste into valuable compost, thereby reducing landfill contributions and fostering eco-friendly practices within the community.
Winchester High School’s composting initiative stands out as a model student-led effort that exemplifies the key elements of a successful school waste diversion program. Spearheaded by senior Joon Choi with support from the Climate Action Advisory Committee, the program launched in April 2025 and combined early planning, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive management to drive results. Students took ownership of the initiative by recruiting and training peer monitors, designing signage, educating the school community, and tracking progress through a detailed daily journal. Crucially, the team prioritized succession planning by involving underclassmen to ensure continuity. Their success hinged on securing buy-in from custodial staff, administrators, and peers—making the program a true community effort. Frequent troubleshooting, phased implementation, and behavior reinforcement (like visual aids and small incentives) helped lower contamination rates and increase participation. Winchester’s composting journey demonstrates how youth leadership, careful planning, and inclusive collaboration can transform a school’s approach to sustainability.
Do you have something you would like to add to this guide or a request for more information on a topic. Email ron.h.cochran@mass.gov