In 2015, Zero Waste Marin worked with two schools on a pilot program to help schools reduce landfill waste by adding in recycling and composting. Since then, the program has grown and now serves more than 40 public school sites across Marin County. Our goal is to empower schools, students, and staff to reduce landfill waste and comply with mandatory state waste laws by implementing sustainable recycling and composting programs.
To support 40+ campuses across the County, Zero Waste Marin works with a contractor to increase the amount of on-site education and support provided to enrolled schools. Our contract partner for the Schools Program is Marin-based non-profit Strategic Energy Innovations (SEI).
For each school site enrolled in our program, Zero Waste Marin will provide zero waste training, indoor and outdoor recycling and compost containers, custodial carts, stickers and signage, and Green Team incentives, all at no charge to the school. We can also help you facilitate a tour of Marin Sanitary Service or Redwood Landfill where you can see first-hand how your materials are sorted. This program helps our schools and Marin County residents save valuable resources and provide lifelong lessons to students.
At the end of each program year, each enrolled school site is evaluated under the Zero Waste Schools Program Certification. The certification process is tiered into Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels to allow schools to continue to strive for progress. Schools that pass the certification process are honored with a recycled glass plaque. All enrolled schools are re-evaluated each year. View a PDF example of the Certification criteria here. (pdf) (171KB).
Download the Zero Waste Schools Overview of Program Elements, which explains the different phases of our program and the mandatory state waste laws that our program will help you comply with.
STAKEHOLDER MEETING
Meeting with main stakeholders to explain program, review current
campus system, and plan next steps.
RESULTS PRESENTATION
Present waste audit results at a staff meeting, and review program
rollout with all staff.
ADULT-LEVEL TRAINING
Ensure teachers, custodian, lunchtime staff, and paraprofessionals are all trained on sorting and new program systems.
STUDENT EDUCATION
At an assembly, introduce students to the program. Return to
go to each classroom for a more in-depth training, and to set up
the new color-coded classroom bins.
INFRASTRUCTURE ROLLOUT
Deliver classroom bins, bathroom Slim Jims, staff room bins, and
waste stations, as applicable.
ONGOING EDUCATION
Start or continue a Green Team of students that will support lunchtime
sorting and create posters, videos, and educational materials to remind
peers of zero waste.
WASTE AUDIT & FOLLOW UP
Conduct a new waste audit and compare data. Complete a Certification
checklist and determine if trash service levels can be decreased.
Zero Waste Marin offers direct support to private schools to comply with State waste laws. Support from Zero Waste Marin staff includes a site visit to assess opportunities for improvement, education and training, an assembly, and guidance on compliance with recycling and composting requirements. Private schools may also be certified under our Zero Waste Schools Program Certification upon request.
Contact the Zero Waste Marin team to learn more, and read the document to the right to learn more about support offerings available to private schools.
PROTECTING OUR RESOURCES TOGETHER