Whole -school participation of organics is now a requirement of the County's partnership agreement with the local school boards, as part of the Learning and Living Green Program. Program participation has been declining and we need your help to get it back on track! Contact the your board representative or the County of Simcoe Solid Waste Department for assistance in getting your recycling and organics programs up and running again.
Please follow the easy steps below to implement a sustainable organics program or improve the existing one:
| Step 1 | Step 1 | <h4><img class="ms-rtePosition-2" src="/SolidWasteManagement/PublishingImages/meeting%20image.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:350px;height:233px;" />Status Meeting</h4><p><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">If your school is not currently participating, you may be contacted by the County or your board representative to set up a meeting to discuss how to move forward. If you have not been contacted yet and you want to start an organics program* please send us an email at solidwaste@simcoe.ca</span></p><p><span style="font-size:1em;">The County and school board representative(s) will work together with the principal/vice-principal, green team leaders and custodial staff to create a winning strategy that will be customized to your school environment and will take into consideration any historical barriers. This step will allow all parties to unite in a common goal.</span><br><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0"></span></p><p><br class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0"><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">*This requirement refers to elementary schools only, secondary school organics is available upon request - restrictions apply.</span><br class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0"></p> | | |
| Step 2 | Step 2 | <p><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">Resources and Planning</strong><br></p><p><span lang="EN-US">Following your status meeting, we will arrange for all the necessary supplies to be delivered. This may include bins, carts, locks, posters, bin labels and/or promotional items.</span></p><p><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"><img class="ms-rtePosition-2" src="/SolidWasteManagement/PublishingImages/LLG%20stuff.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:300px;height:157px;" />Once your supplies have been received you may need help setting them up. If there is a green team available, they may be asked to assist with the distribution of classroom materials just prior to launch.</span></span></p><p><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">We have worked hard to ensure to build a sustainable model so if there are staffing changes etc the program continue to run unaffected. This is why it's important for the program to be student-run:</span></span></p><p></p><ul><li><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US">at least 3 x week students from each class take turns bringing recycling and organics down to depot (this could be prompted by a chime over the PA system<br></span></span></li><li>there should be extra bags at the depot for the students to re-line empty bins; wash if necessary<br></li><li>green team can be used to monitor for contamination and motivate participation (ask us about promotional items which can be used for prizes)<br></li></ul><span lang="EN-US"><span lang="EN-US"><br><span lang="EN-US">Important – Prior to launch, you will need to
obtain a supply of certified compostable bags. Contact your board
representative for ordering information as it is important to ensure proper sizing. </span></span></span><p></p><img src="/SolidWasteManagement/PublishingImages/certified-logos.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br> | | |
| Step 3 | Step 3 | <h3>Promotion & Education / Launch</h3><p>Now that you have all the necessary tools, you need to educate the students and promote the program! </p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="/SolidWasteManagement/PublishingImages/Untitled-2.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:563px;" /> </p><p>The County will assist in a launch plan. This may include <a href="/SolidWasteManagement/Pages/Environmental-Education.aspx">presentation(s) and green team workshops</a>.<br><br>All that is left now is to start filling those green bins! <br><br>Good luck!<br><br></p> | | |
| Step 4 | Step 4 | <p><strong style="text-decoration:underline;">How to Avoid Odours and Pests</strong><br></p><ol><li><span style="font-size:1em;">Use certified compostable bags to line green bin and mini bins</span><img src="/SolidWasteManagement/PublishingImages/compostable%20logos%20and%20compostable%20bag.jpg?RenditionID=3" alt="" style="font-size:1em;margin:5px;" /><br></li><li><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0">Keep bins shut when not in use</span></li><li>Empty bins often (3-5 times a week and always before holidays and weekends)</li><li>Do not store organics in the school; deposit into temporary depot bins to be taken immediately outside to store until collection day</li><li>Clean bins regularly</li><li>Incorporate paper towel waste (or shredded paper) into your green bins to help absorb moisture </li><li>Be sure to empty liquids before placing into bins (and discard straws)<br><img src="/SolidWasteManagement/PublishingImages/empty-liquids-web.gif" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /><br><br></li><li>Use clips or elastics (#24-6, item #17855 Staples) to keep compostable bags from falling down</li><li>Use larger green bins in areas of higher volume (ie: staff rooms or washrooms</li><li>Use clips or elastics (#24-6, item #17855 Staples) to keep compostable bags from falling down<br><span style="font-size:1em;"><img src="/SolidWasteManagement/PublishingImages/tip-web.gif" alt="" style="margin:5px;" /></span></li><li>Use the County-provided locks for outdoor storage containers (recycling and organics) to avoid illegal dumping or vandalism<br><br></li></ol> | | |
School organics programs can benefit by having a dedicated Green Team who can act as the school's waste ambassadors by:
- Promoting program participation through school website, social media, parent communications / newsletters, morning announcements or assemblies
- Monitor for participation and contamination by manning of depots (grant incentives to high-performing classes such as extra recess)
- Ensure classroom bins/signage are arranged properly
Note: Source separation of waste (depositing waste into the correct bins) should be a shared responsibility for the entire school including students and faculty alike. Additionally, students can take turns transferring the waste to the depots which gives everyone the opportunity to learn more about the program.
Learning and Living Green
