This Zero Waste Plan template is designed to help school districts create and implement a structured, actionable strategy for reducing waste and promoting sustainability in schools. It provides a framework that guides schools through assessing their current waste generation, implementing recycling and composting programs, engaging students and staff, and incorporating sustainability into daily operations. The template also outlines how to secure funding, establish clear policies, and track progress over time. Schools and districts would use this template to foster a culture of environmental responsibility, reduce landfill waste, and support long-term sustainability goals.
1. Introduction
Purpose: Describe the importance of creating a zero waste environment in schools and its impact on sustainability and student engagement.
Goals: Outline the specific objectives for waste reduction within the district, focusing on reducing landfill waste, increasing recycling, and minimizing overall waste generation.
2. Waste Audits and Data Collection
Waste Characterization Studies: Conduct waste audits in each school to identify the types and quantities of waste being generated.
Baseline Data: Use the findings to establish a baseline for waste production and set achievable reduction targets.
Tracking and Reporting: Create a system for schools to regularly track waste generation, diversion rates, and progress toward zero waste goals.
3. Waste Reduction and Diversion Strategies
Recycling Programs: Implement and enhance comprehensive recycling programs in all schools, ensuring consistent access to recycling bins for paper, plastic, metals, and other materials.
Composting Programs: Introduce or expand composting initiatives for food waste and other organic materials, focusing on cafeteria and kitchen operations.
Reusable Alternatives: Encourage the use of reusable materials, such as refillable water bottles, reusable containers, and washable utensils in cafeterias and classrooms.
Electronic Waste Management: Set up collection and recycling systems for electronic waste such as outdated computers, printers, and other tech equipment.
4. Green Infrastructure Integration
Energy Efficiency: Incorporate energy-saving measures into school operations, such as upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, HVAC systems, and using renewable energy sources like solar power.
Transportation: Promote the transition to electric school buses and vehicles, and install charging stations to support electric transportation within the district.
5. Education and Engagement
Environmental Curriculum: Introduce sustainability and waste reduction topics into the school curriculum to educate students about environmental responsibility.
Student Involvement: Engage students in waste reduction efforts through school clubs, projects, and competitions that focus on reducing waste and increasing recycling.
Staff Engagement: Provide training and resources for staff to encourage participation in waste reduction efforts and implement sustainable practices in classrooms and administrative offices.
Community Engagement: Encourage schools to involve parents, guardians, and local businesses in zero waste initiatives by hosting events, workshops, and volunteer programs.
6. Policy and Procurement
Zero Waste Policy: Develop and implement a district-wide zero waste policy that establishes clear guidelines for waste reduction, recycling, and composting in all schools.
Sustainable Procurement: Adopt purchasing policies that prioritize environmentally friendly products, such as recyclable, compostable, or reusable materials, and minimize single-use items.
7. Funding and Grants
Identify Funding Sources: Explore grant opportunities and other funding sources to support waste reduction programs, infrastructure improvements, and the transition to electric transportation.
Partnerships: Collaborate with local government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses to secure funding and resources for zero waste initiatives.
8. Timeline and Implementation Plan
Short-Term Goals (1-3 years): Focus on immediate actions such as conducting waste audits, implementing recycling and composting programs, and adopting a zero waste policy.
Long-Term Goals (5-10 years): Set ambitious targets for achieving zero waste across the district, reducing overall waste by a significant percentage, and transitioning to fully sustainable infrastructure.
Milestones: Establish key performance indicators and regular milestones to track progress and ensure accountability over time.
9. Monitoring and Accountability
Annual Reporting: Require schools to submit annual reports detailing their waste reduction efforts, recycling rates, and progress toward the district’s zero waste goals.
Review and Adjust: Set up a process for regularly reviewing the plan and making adjustments based on data and feedback to ensure continuous improvement.
10. Conclusion
Commitment to Sustainability: Reinforce the district’s commitment to achieving zero waste and promoting environmental sustainability, encouraging all members of the school community to contribute to these efforts.
11. Examples of Plans
US EPA list of example Climate Action Plans: https://www.epa.gov/smm/example-government-climate-action-plans-address-materials-management-and-waste
Beverly Climate Action Plan https://www.beverlyma.gov/626/Resilient-Together---Climate-Action-Plan
Mentions the schools in numerous places. Please note this was written a number of years ago and is out of date in the number of electric vehicles reported for Beverly. We now have a fleet of (I BELIEVE) 5 full size electric buses. We will order EIGHT more soon using some EPA grant money along with some MassCEC Act School bus grant money. These 8 may not arrive for up to a year, but at least they will be ordered! In addition, we retrofitted 4 or 5 of our vans (also paid for with grant money) to be electric powered.
Boston Public Schools Recycling and Zero Waste Policy.pdf
FMT-08 BPS Recycling and Zero Waste Policy.pdf
Lexington Zero Waste Plan:
Since we are already doing composting at all the schools and we have a waste reduction plan adopted by School Committee, there’s not a lot of mention of schools, except the concept of leveraging what is happening in the schools to do more with residents and businesses.
Lexington’s Climate Action and Resiliency Plan:
https://www.lexingtonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9956/Resilient-Lexington_CARP_FINAL-2023?bidId=
pp24-25 talk about waste, but nothing specifically about the schools
Medfield Climate Action Plan:
Does not mention schools or waste reduction
Natick Net Zero Action Plan
Includes Waste Reduction and the Schools
Newton Climate Action Plan: https://www.newtonma.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/39649/637335412898900000
There’s no specific climate goals for the schools or waste diversion intersection with schools, but there is much mention of adding solar and EV charging stations at schools.
Plymouth Climate Action Plan:
https://plymouth-ma.gov/1205/Priority-Plymouth--Climate-Action-and-Ad
Wellesley Climate Action Plan:
https://wellesleyma.gov/1872/Climate-Action-Plan-Dashboard
Includes Waste Reduction and the Schools
Green Worcester (worcesterma.gov) https://green.worcesterma.gov/action-plan
Mentions the schools a number of times. Most notably, we discuss conducting waste characterization studies at the WPS, enhancing our school farm systems, reducing pollutants in the air and water to protect our youth, workforce development for green infrastructure through our vocational schools, and developing a curriculum around sustainability and resilience to integrate into all levels of WPS.
Our school system also has a strategic plan for modernized and safe facilities, although it does not mention anything about waste reduction: Strategic Plan: Modernized and Safe Facilities | Worcester Public Schools (worcesterschools.org)
Fairfax County, VA Government & Schools Zero Waste Plan
They committed to a Zero Waste plan for County owned buildings and operations, including schools. That resulted in a 2 year study called the JET - Joint Environmental Task Force. The resulting report is the Government and Schools Zero Waste Plan