To start a waste reduction program on the school campus, the first thing that should be done is to assess the existing waste management system. This is done to understand how waste is handled, the amount and type of waste produced, and what new initiatives are needed for better management. After the waste assessment, you need to identify target materials that need to be reduced and set goals to reduce those materials. Looking for alternatives materials in the market, educating the participants, and launching the program are the steps that follow later. More information on how to conduct waste assessment can be found here https://www.epa.gov/smm/instructions-conducting-waste-assessments.
Below are some ideas that can be implemented in schools to divert and reduce waste.
1. Conduct recycling competitions
Forming students teams by class/age, etc., and compete over a month's time period to collect the largest amount of recyclables. This increases the recycling awareness amongst the students and also initiatives behavior change.
2. Composting
Educate and encourage students to learn how to compost their waste. Every school much initiate a composting program where they can show students how to compost the food waste and use the compost as manure for the school garden.
3. Donations
Giving back to society is an essential value that every child must learn. A donation day can be set up in the school where students can bring their extra clothes, school supplies, old books, toys, school furniture, etc. that they want to get rid of and donate it to students and people in the society who are in need.
4. Trash art
Art is a way to express thoughts and emotions. Conducting an art competition where students are encouraged to use the waste in the school and create masterpieces is a good way to boost the creative mindsets and also divert waste.
5. Student-led waste group
Having a student-led group on campus that acts as waste ambassadors in conducting waste audits, conducting events on waste reduction, inviting specialists to give a talk, composting, educating other students, and raising awareness on reducing waste is a great way to train the students to be future leaders in the field of environment. Some activity ideas are discussed here https://www.epa.gov/students/quest-less-activities-and-resources-teaching-k-8
