Purpose
According to an 2010 MPCA study titled "Digging Deep Through School Trash" public schools in Minnesota produce 483,520 pounds of waste per day! Many of the materials being thrown away by schools can be reduced, reused, and recycled. In fact, 78% of school waste materials could be diverted from the landfill through organics collection, paper collection, and recycling plastic and metal containers.
The Green Schools Project aims to ensure the quantity of waste in local schools is reduced and that recyclable materials are diverted from the solid waste stream. Upon successful completion of these goals, students and staff will gain valuable knowledge on the importance of waste reduction and recycling. This knowledge can then be brought outside of the school and implemented at home. Working with institutions, such as schools, will aid in the effort to increase the County’s overall recycling rate and reduce waste to landfills.
