Suggestions on when to think about and/or implement policy in a School District.

• Begin discussions on solid waste reduction goals for the year

• Review previous year’s waste data & identify areas for improvement

• Finalize any adjustments to the programs based on feedback & data from any pilots

• Begin & conduct regular monitoring and data collection to track program success

• Begin monitoring & data collection on pilot program

• Review data and assess the effectiveness of current programs & pilots

• Draft reports on the progress of waste reduction initiatives including pilots

The most effective time to be thinking about budget related activities.  Don't miss this critical step to be sure your funding is available at the right time to meet your goals. 

• Create Budget for Waste Reduction for Capital Budget talks

• Research grants for external funding opportunities for waste reduction initiatives

• Capital Budget Process for Schools

Things to think about during the actual school year. 

• Start outreach to vendors for recycling and composting services.

• Reassess and replenish supplies and materials

• Plan for back-to-school training sessions on waste reduction and recycling

• Form a Green Team or Sustainability Committee if not already in place

• Develop and distribute educational materials for staff and students on new programs

• New School Year Communication to Administrators, Teachers, Caf staff, Volunteers, Students

• Professional development sessions for staff on waste reduction and recycling

• Schedule meetings with key stakeholders to discuss upcoming programs

• Annual Signup for MassDEP Green Teams in all schools

• Order GreenTeam supplies and equipment (recycling bins, compost bins, educational materials)

• Conduct refresher training sessions for staff and students

• Launch full-scale waste reduction programs across the school

• Begin & conduct regular monitoring and data collection to track program success

• Plan a fall event (America Recycles Week) to highlight waste reduction and celebrate successes

• Plan a spring event (Earth Day - April) to highlight waste reduction and celebrate successes

• Launch & run waste reduction pilot program

• Begin monitoring & data collection on pilot program