Schools

Students posing next to School Cafeteria Waste Sorting Station

​California Senate Bill 1383 requires schools to implement and maintain programs for proper separation of recyclable materials (paper, cardboard, metal, plastic, bottles, and cans) and organic waste (food scraps, food-soiled paper, and green waste) to reduce landfill disposal and greenhouse gas emissions. ​

Compliance Requirements

CalRecycle regulates Local Education Agencies (LEAs), including K-12 public schools and districts.

Sacramento County Department of Waste Management & Recycling (DWMR) oversees waste compliance for private and charter schools, which are treated as commercial properties. Visit the DWMR Business webpage​ for compliance details.

Student using a classroom organics bin to recycle his banana peel.

Waste Collection Requirements

All schools must:

  1. Subscribe to organics*, recycling, and garbage collection services through a Sacramento County commercial franchised waste hauler.
  2. Place blue Recycling and green Organics containers next to black/gray Garbage containers where recycling or organic waste is generated.
  3. Ensure containers are color-coded and clearly labeled.
  4. Train students and staff on proper recycling and organics sorting.

*Submit Local Education Agency (LEA) organics waiver applications to CalRecycle.

Edible Food Recovery Requirements

Qualifying schools with on-site food facilities are required to donate all edible food to a food recovery organization instead of throwing it away. To find out if your school qualifies for edible food recovery compliance, visit Sacramento County, Environmental Management Department’s website.

Student using Share Table in the cafeteria to donate their apple.

School Waste Implementation Assistance - Toolkit & Guide

DWMR supports schools with compliance education, outreach, and technical assistance, and offers an Implementation Guide and School Waste Toolkit for eligible K–12 schools in unincorporated Sacramento County.

Follow the Implementation Guide:

Implementation Guide

The School Waste Implementation Guide sets up your school to successfully meet compliance requirements with instructions to:

  • Identify lead program staff (administration, custodians, teachers, etc.) in your implementation plan
  • Conduct a site walkthrough to assess needs
  • Set up waste sorting stations for students and staff, including share tables for cafeteria spaces
  • Train students and staff to sort correctly
  • Set a program launch date
  • Monitor and maintain the program

Apply for a School Waste Toolkit: 

Students using a cafeteria Waste Sorting Station

How to Apply:

  1. Check Eligibility. Use Parcel Viewer jurisdiction tab to confirm the school is in unincorporated Sacramento County.
  2. Submit an Online Interest Form. Processed as first-come, first-served.
  3. Wait for DWMR Follow-up. Staff will contact you within 3 business days to schedule a site walkthrough.
  4. Request Toolkit Materials. Items are offered based on walkthrough findings.

Free Toolkit May Include:

  • 32-gallon Recycling and/or Organics Containers (with liners)
  • Food Share Cart
  • Waste Container Dolly
  • Signage
  • Trash Grabbers
  • Green Team Vests
  • In-classroom Presentations
  • Touch-a-Truck Event
Submit a School Waste Toolkit Interest Form

Resources:

School Education & Outreach Newsletter

Past Editions:

School Spotlight Videos:  

To have your school’s successful waste sorting system featured in the next newsletter, email CommercialWaste@SacCounty.gov. 

Sign Up for Schools Program Updates!

Classroom Presentation

Public schools in unincorporated Sacramento County may request free classroom presentations, by emailing SacGreenTeam@SacCounty.gov.

Student assembly presentations are available through the Online Toolkit Interest Form.

ReCreate Presentation

ReCreate offers classroom presentations to 3rd – 4th graders focused on how to sort smart and recycle right, followed by a fun, hands-on art project.

Cal-Waste Presentation

Cal-Waste Recovery Systems, a local recycling processor, offers classroom presentations to 6th graders and middle school students that meet academic standards.

Elementary School Touch-a-Truck

Schedule an hour long visit from a County collection truck by emailing SacGreenTeam@SacCounty.gov! In your email, include two possible dates/times, the grade level, and number of students.