What Is the Zero Waste Schools Initiative?

zero_waste_schools_hero_for_webThe Zero Waste Schools Initiative (ZWSI) is a new DOE program to manage waste in schools by maximizing recycling and organics separation and minimizing trash. It is run as a partnership between the DOE, the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) and GrowNYC’s Recycling Champions program 

In March, Chancellor Carmen Fariña and Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia announced the launch of Zero Waste Schools Initiative (ZWSI) as well as the 100 schools selected to dramatically decrease waste to landfills. PS 372 is one of the ZWSI schools.

The new program, which includes after school activities, expands on the exisiting recycling mandates to ensure schools are diverting all recyclable and compostable waste to reach zero waste to landfills within five years. This April, GrowNYC and the DSNY started monitoring PS 372’s waste at the curb to assess what is being thrown away, what is being recycled and how.

The Chancellor’s office created many written FAQs and guides to help describe this mandated program:

Related: What Is Zero Waste?