Waste reduction benchmark

Paper, single-use items, and excessive packaging are major sources of waste in schools. Contaminated recycling and food waste containers further contribute to wasted resources. This benchmark outlines the many ways schools can reduce their waste. By minimizing waste, schools can not only conserve resources but also save on costs. With less garbage, you can reduce collection frequency and the size of outdoor garbage containers.

Criteria for recognition

Schools

• Maintain low waste generation OR reduce solid waste volume from the initial WWT and maintain that reduction for at least 3 consecutive data points. Share your average monthly volume of waste.
• Optional: use the garbage volume worksheet to gather data.
• A low waste generation is less than or equal to 2 gallons of waste/student/week.
• Conduct a baseline Waste Walk Through (WWT) at least every 2 years. Use the findings to set waste reduction goals.
• Share waste reduction goals with the rest of the school. Examples could include assemblies, newsletters, announcements, or social media posts.
• Create or maintain at least 3 different waste reduction systems and/or participate in waste reduction activities. Examples include using lunchroom durables, GOOS paper, washable desk rags, double-sided printing, upcycling, hosting a clothing swap, etc.
• Share your waste reduction efforts and progress with  your program representative.

Districts

• Find the district recognition criteria for this benchmark in the District Benchmark Guide.

Recognition form

Schools

Fill out the School Waste Reduction recognition form. Schools may fill out the form to receive the benchmark badge at any time of year. Contact your program representative if you need assistance filling out the form.

You can complete the recognition form over multiple sessions using the "Save" button. You will be emailed a link that allows you to continue filling out the form. Once the form is complete, select the "Submit" button.

Check out all the schools that were recognized for Waste Reduction in 2024-25.

Districts

Fill out the District Waste Reduction recognition form. Districts may fill out the form to receive the benchmark badge in the spring of each school year.

Waste reduction resources and activities

• School Garbage Generation Form
• Conduct a waste audit
• Plan a plastic bottle reduction campaign
• Creative ways to encourage re-use in classrooms
• Zero waste locker or cubby cleanout
• Waste free lunch infographic

Interested in learning more? Check out our resource list for more detailed information on this benchmark topic.

Success Stories

 The Green Team at Cascade Ridge Elementary implemented a "Waste-Free Wednesday" initiative in which they encouraged students to reduce their cafeteria waste as much as possible. On Wednesdays, they weighed their waste and tracked it throughout the school year. This program helped students and staff realize how much waste they were creating and allowed them to set measurable goals to reduce the waste. This project has also led to greater collaboration between the Green Team, the cafeteria staff, and the custodial staff to brainstorm ideas about how to reduce waste.

Lakeland Hills Elementary School in Auburn School District used the Re+ Voucher funds to purchase durable trays, metal utensils, and compostable bags. At Lakeland Hills, all school meals are free. With 512 students attending the school, the school went through hundreds of disposable trays and utensils every day. With the switch to durable trays and utensils, Lakeland Hills Elementary was able to drastically reduce the amount of garbage that they produced.

At Auburn High School in the Auburn School District, Environmental studies students were curious to figure out ways to help divert waste from the garbage. They performed a waste audit to figure out what exactly was in their trash so they would know how their school was doing with waste sorting efforts and figure out how best to educate the student body.