Zero waste schools program at greenwich public schools

As the Town’s largest institution, Greenwich Public Schools contributes significantly to the municipal waste stream. But a large percentage of waste generated in our schools can be reduced, recycled, composted or replaced with sustainable products, resulting in fiscal savings, environmental benefits and educational opportunities.

The Zero Waste Schools Program empowers students and staff to adopt sustainable behaviors by preventing and diverting material, which would otherwise be disposed, to the highest and most valuable use. Through the program, the district will not only lead the community in waste reduction and diversion efforts but will also contribute to state and local goals.

  • The three main priorities of the ZWS Program include:

    1. CAFETERIA WASTE REDUCTION PROGRAM:

    In 2019-20, a waste reduction program was implemented to test strategies to reduce and divert cafeteria waste at six district elementary and middle school cafeterias. The cafeteria waste reduction pilot was successful in reducing overall trash by an average of 55% at the participating schools. It is estimated that GPS will divert 153,720 lbs or 77 tons of trash annually at district elementary and middle schools, saving $8,608 in tipping fees annually, or more than $43,000 over 5 years. District-wide implementation of the program is recommended for fall 2022.

    2. FOOD SCRAP REDUCTION AND RECYCLING:

    The ZWS Program prioritizes reduction of food waste and includes three strategies to cut food waste: a) share tables, b) food donation and c) food scrap recycling

    a. Share Tables:

    Share tables are stations where children may return whole food or beverage items they choose not to eat, in compliance with local and state health and food safety codes, to make items available to other children who may want additional servings. To address increasing food insecurity among students and to cut disposal of nutritious, usable food, it is recommended that share tables be implemented at all Greenwich Public Schools.

    b. Food Donation:

    This strategy, which is supported by federal and state agencies, provides donation of any program food that is not consumed, including federally subsidized meals, to eligible food banks or charitable organizations. Food donation has been adopted at many peer schools and is a recommended strategy for GPS to reduce food waste and support the food insecure.

    c. Food Scrap Recycling:

    As practiced at many schools in Fairfield County and beyond, this effective waste diversion strategy can be implemented either through contracting with an organics hauler or by utilizing an onsite, outdoor composting bin system. It is recommended that GPS adopt food scrap recycling district wide by Fall 2023.

    3) RECYCLING:

    According to GPS Procedure E-051.35 (see Appendix B), "Greenwich Public Schools recycles because it is the law (Ref. GS22a-220, GS 22a-208v, 22a- 256ee, 22a-241b, 22a-249; Greenwich Municipal Code Section 8A), to promote an environmentally sound practice and as an educational strategy." The document also lists mandatory recyclables and roles and responsibilities of stakeholders. In order to comply with state and local laws, it is imperative that recycling containers are made available in school cafeterias, in classrooms and throughout schools. Students, teachers and staff should be informed regularly and consistently about best practices and current guidelines through educational programming, signage and training.