working with schools - Zero Waste Schools

the inspiration

When ZWS was founded, we took inspiration from the work of SUNY ESF. A New York college that diverts over 65% of their waste from landfills, has won countless awards for its waste management, and is on track to match 90% diversion by 2025, SUNY ESF inspired us. We dove deep into how they achieved their feat, and use all the same tactics- right down to buying our infrastructure from same company, Cleanriver.

how it works

the inspiration

We know the methods we use work and drive down waste output. We start with our infrastructure- eliminating some of the biggest and logistical problems that hinder good waste management: lack of consistency, poor/unspecific/inadequa-te labelling, and open stream tops. Statistically, reshaping these three elements correctly increases waste diversion on avg. of 35%. From there, we drill in the importance of waste diversion- make students care.

How we work

the inspiration

How we work

When working with a school, our team starts the process with a couple assessments. We start by touring the school, creating an understanding of how many recycling centers will be needed based on the school layout and student count. From there we get in contact with the schools sustainability director, possible green team(s), cafeteria and janitorial staff to understand the current state of recycling at the school, and what would work best to better it. We spend around 2-3 weeks finalizing the infrastructure, and in that time launch a school-wide campaign.

at the bronx high school of science

Zero Waste Schools has proudly donated 15 Centralized Recycling Centers to the Bronx High School of Science, totaling nearly $20,000, with the mission to transform Bronx Science into a Zero Waste School.

The Centralized Recycling Centers feature four streams: mixed paper/cardboard, soft metals/plastics, compost, and landfill. The labelling is school specific and image heavy, leaving little room for incorrect recycling / stream contamination. Streams have closed tops to further direct users to recycle proper and to prevent misuse. Furthermore, the streams are color coordinated with DSNY/city streams to create consistency and prompt proper waste management outside of school.

For the hallways

for the cafeteria

The hallway Centralized Recycling Centers (CRS's) at Bronx Science are two (Cleanriver) FLEX-E units paired together. One hallway CRS holds 100 USG. Bronx Science features 11 hallway CRS's, with three on each floor, and two at the basement level.

for the cafeteria

The cafeteria Centralized Recycling Centers (CRS's) at Bronx Science is an (Cleanriver) TIM72-4. One cafeteria CRS holds 72 USG. The Bronx Science cafeteria feautures four cafeteria CRS's, in addition to DOE compost/food scrap bins.

working with schools - Zero Waste Schools

the inspiration

the inspiration

the inspiration

how it works

the inspiration

the inspiration

How we work

the inspiration

How we work

Looking for us to work with your school?

at the bronx high school of science

For the hallways

for the cafeteria

for the cafeteria

for the cafeteria

for the cafeteria

for the cafeteria

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