Recycling and Large-Scale Composting at AISD

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1 Recycling and Large-Scale Composting at AISD Jen Sembera, M.Ed. Recycling and Composting Coordinator Texas Disposal Systems, Inc. (TDS) February 23,

2 Objectives To understand why landfill diversion is important for the future of Texas To demonstrate an understanding of what is recyclable and compostable To discuss best practices used in cafeterias, classrooms, and throughout campuses 2

3 Landfill Diversion on Campus Demonstrates environmental commitment to the campus, city and State of Texas Serves as a hands-on means of teaching sustainable behavior for students so that it becomes second nature Teaches potential cost-neutral or, in some cases, cost-saving practices Allows citizens the choice to not place as much into the landfill so it doesn t fill up as quickly Use of the website can be an opportunity to build school pride Builds responsibility and leadership in young people Applicable to nearly every discipline history, art, science 3

4 Recycling What can be placed in the Single Stream Recycling bins at your school? Paper and Cardboard Heavy Plastics Metal (including aluminum) Glass 4

5 Where Does it all Go? The TDS Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in Southeast Travis County is 107,000 square feet (almost 2 football fields). The TDS MRF processes more than 25 tons of Single Stream Recyclables per hour. 5

6 Let s Talk About Plastics and Paper Plastics: The general rule is If it falls to the ground. Recycling. (e.g. bottle) If it floats in the air Landfill. (e.g. utensil wrapper) Paper: The general rule is. If it s clean. Recycling (e.g. spirals) If it s been touched by food or shredded Compost (e.g. pizza box) TDS is the only landfill in Central Texas that can now process: Styrofoam* Plastic bags/wraps through the Bag to Bag Program* *These items can NOT be placed in your recycling bin, they must be brought to TDS for recycling. 6

7 What is Compost? Compost is the end product of a natural process that transforms leaves, grass clippings, food waste, and other organic matter into a dark soil-like substance. We can use this soil directly on our plants to grow more food... 7

8 Bobcat Blend Composting Site Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 8

9 There are 2 Types of Composting: Small-Scale (or Onsite/Backyard) Large-Scale 9

10 Small-Scale (or Onsite/Backyard) Ingredients Great process for hands-on composting piles on school campuses Organic matter ONLY Food wastes, leaves, grass clippings, etc. Do NOT put in a backyard pile Meats and dairy products: They are compostable, but attract critters and produce odors! Fatty or oily foods Can result in E.coli or salmonella 10

11 TDS and AISD Composting in the Cafeterias Can Do More. 11

12 Large-Scale Ingredients (Texas Disposal Systems Composting) TDS makes enormous piles over 5 feet high and 25 feet long ALL food and paper products Meats and dairy products are APPROVED Paper products contaminated by food (e.g. paper napkins and plates, milk / juice cartons, contaminated cardboard) 12

13 In The Classroom and Cafeteria Recycling collection from each classroom and administrative area Creation of Eco Stations and signage with items from cafeteria Landfill (Gray/Black); Compost (Green); Recycle (Blue) Students will line up to throw away waste AND stack their trays Students will make their own decisions about which type goes in which bin Green Team Leaders play a vital role! 13

14 Best Practices Student involvement and leadership! Landfill Leaders, Recycling Regulators and Compost Captains Place the correct items in the correct containers Use different color bags for each type of trash - Green: Compost - Clear: Recycling - White or Black: Landfill Elementary school restrooms: All compostable! Always break down your paper and cardboard boxes. This provides more space for recyclables, results in fewer hauls which saves lots of money Teacher/student-led programs for non-single stream recyclables 14

15 Thank YOU! You are at the front lines of this and everything you do makes a huge difference! 15