Waste diversion is the prevention and reduction of waste going to the landfill by recycling and composting. Waste diversion generates a host of environmental and social benefits including- conserving energy, managing disposal costs, and reducing the burden on landfills and other harmful waste disposal.
Waste Diversion at School Events
When hosting an event, staff will need to move some of the recycling, compost, and trash carts to the event. Always pair a recycling and compost cart next to a trash can, so diversion is made easy for visitors and to reduce contamination. Hang a poster on or above the recycling and compost carts so visitors know what materials can be diverted. SWM encourages having volunteers monitor the carts during a public event to reduce contamination. After the event, volunteers should check inside the purple and green carts and pull out anything that doesn’t belong.
SWM and the DPS Office of Sustainability will provide normal recycling and compost collections throughout the Winter and Spring breaks. Summer break will be a once-a-week collection unless a change has been announced by SWM and/or DPS. Staff and administration will inform Summer students and visitors on the recycling and compost guidelines. Relocate recycling and compost carts to accommodate areas (gyms, auditoriums) where students will be located.