Skip to: site menu | section menu | main content
Waste Reduction/Recycling Program for Schools
In 2008, 15,000 more tonnes of solid waste were buried in landfill in
In an effort to significantly increase waste reduction/recycling efforts by the IC&I sector, ten Ministry of the Environment inspectors have been hired to broaden enforcement of
· To model and promote individual and collective environmental responsibility
· To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air, soil and water pollution
· To divert hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium and mercury from landfill to prevent leaching into soils and contaminating ground water source
· To reduce operating costs; recycling is cheaper that paying tipping fees
· To indefinitely extend the life of the current landfill cell; if present practices continue, a new cell will need to be developed in twenty years at a cost of more than 25 million dollars
· To maximize the use of
· To reduce waste of materials and resources
· To support local jobs and economic self-sufficiency
· To lessen our reliance on non-renewable resources
· To help ensure that the needs of all the people on the planet and future generations are met
Getting Started……….
Step 1: Create a Green Team made up of Board members, teachers, staff and students; commit to the 5 Rs: Rethink (buy local, say no to disposables, use bio-degradable, non-toxic cleaners and personal care products) Refuse (plastic bags, excessive packaging) Reduce (consume less, donate and purchase used equipment; Reuse (buy products that are durable and easily reused and repaired) Recycle. (as many materials as possible)
Step 2: Conduct a waste audit to determine what kind of waste is produced and how much is generated daily and annually; eliminate as much waste as possible. A link to the Province’s 3Rs Waste Regulations is available on the ZWATeam’s Website; ZWATeam Guides for handling of food waste and artists’ materials, Litter Free Green Event planning etc. are also available at www.zwat.org
Step 3: Develop and implement Green Purchasing policies to reduce packaging
and increase the use of more durable, eco-friendly materials. Buy local goods and services and support local food production. Support social justice and the purchase of Fair Trade certified products. (Sustainable Environmental and Ethical Purchasing Policies)
Step 4: Decide what kind of containers you want to use, where they will be, who will collect the recyclables and take them to the storage area. The storage area must conform to fire regulations. If a private firm is responsible for collecting waste within the building, the tender must specify they are to separate recyclables into appropriate containers. To avoid fruit fly infestations, recyclables will need to be regularly removed to a refrigerated or outside storage area.
Step 5: Start an education program so everyone understands the purpose of the program and how it works. Ask for ongoing input and suggestions in order to expand and improve the program and identify champions to promote it. Make is easy to participate and provide incentives to increase results. Try new ideas like vermi -composting leftovers in your lunchroom.
Step 6: Pick a kick-off date for the 5Rs Program and plan a celebration. Invite special guests, publicize the event and let ZWAT know so we can attend and promote your initiative on our website www.zwat.org. Track your progress and share the results in e-newsletters, on bulletin boards etc.
The ZWATeam provides free presentations and assistance in setting up waste reduction/diversion programs for our members. Bi-monthly meetings include educational presentations and facility tours. For more information contact Janice at zwatcentral@yahoo.com.