Why is waste reduction planning essential for school districts?
California school districts dispose of large amounts of waste (approximately 763,817 tons per year) [1]. These wastes represent a significant loss of natural resources and school district funds, as well as a potential threat to student/staff health and the environment. To be responsible stewards of environmental quality, school districts should review processes and operations, and even curriculum choices. They should evaluate the economic, educational, and environmental benefits of implementing an effective waste reduction program. Incorporating waste reduction as part of the school district’s overall way of doing business can provide a number of important benefits: • Reduced disposal costs. • Improved worker safety. • Reduced long-term liability. • Increased efficiency of school operations. • Decreased associated purchasing costs. School district waste reduction programs also foster student achievement by transforming the school environment into a laboratory for learning and providing
