ADMINISTRATORS & FACULTY
NYC PUBLIC SCHOOLS 2013-2014
As an Organics Collection school,
you are on the forefront of an
exciting moment in NYC history!
In the 2013-2014 school year, the NYC Department
of Education and Department of Sanitation
are conducting an Organics Collection
program in over 300 school
cafeterias and kitchens in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and
Staten Island schools.
IN NYC SCHOOLS
These materials will be turned into
compost or renewable energy.
WHAT IS ORGANICS? For the purpose of this Program, we refer to organics as
• food scraps like vegetables, meats, grains, cheeses,
and fruits
• soiled paper products like napkins, brown bags, plates, and compostable trays
A LOOK AT ORGANICS:WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
According to the NYC Department of Sanitation, nearly 30% of all NYC's
waste can be composted. In schools,
it’s closer to 40%
Organics(30%)
2004-2005 NYC Waste Characterization Study
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLLECTING ORGANICS?
• reduce the amount of trash going to landfills• reduce export cost of waste• generate renewable energy• reduce greenhouse gas emissions• develop a valuable commodity• create local Green Jobs
CAFETERIA SORTING: HOW WILL IT WORK?
New stations will be set up in the cafeteria, where students will sort their lunch waste in four different components
LIQUIDSRECYCLIN
G LANDFI
LL ORGANICS
A LOOK INTO THE ORGANICS BIN
Organic material is picked up nightly by the Department of Sanitation.
It is important that the organics bins are free from contaminants
like foam and plastic so materials can be properly processed.
WHAT GOES IN THE ORGANICS BIN
KEEP OUT FROM THE ORGANICS BIN
all leftover food (including meat, bones & dairy)
“Pulp” and paper boat trays, paper products: plates, cups, napkins
milk and juice cartons, bottles, yogurt and fruit cups, plastic utensils
Recyclables
Landfill Items
ALL foam, soft plastic, wrappers, rubber gloves
• Sorting stations create a more organized cafeteria routine.
• Reduces cleanup for SchoolFood, school aides, and custodial staff by reducing litter.
• Reduces vermin and pest problems by having food scraps contained in a plastic bin with lid.
BENEFITS OF CAFETERIA SORTING
Reinforces classroom recycling practices and contributes to positive, sustainable habits.
BENEFITS OF CAFETERIA SORTING
Offers opportunity for students to take a leadership and/or mentoring role by educating their peers about the importance of reducing waste.
Organics are taken to commercial facilities, where they are processed and made into compost or renewable energy.
It is important that the organics bins are free from contaminants
like foam and plastic so the materials can be properly
processed.
WHAT HAPPENS TO COLLECTED ORGANICS?
NYC Parks, School & Community Gardens, Street Trees
WHERE DOES THE FINISHED COMPOST GO?
HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE? • Coordinate with your Sustainability
Coordinator and student Green Team. • Volunteer once a week as a cafeteria aide
to educate and speak with students.• Help train student Cafeteria Monitors.• Periodically check on the sorting stations• Help host an assembly on the importance
of recycling and composting.
HOW CAN TEACHERS INCORPORATE ORGANICS COLLECTION TO THE
CLASSROOM? • Incorporate the process of composting into lesson
plans.• Take 5 minutes before lunch to remind students of the
steps and importance of Cafeteria Sorting.STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4
Recycling & Composting Focus
• Student Council• Afterschool • Robotics• Web-design• Green Career Fair
FOR MAKING ORGANICS COLLECTION A
THANKS
SUCCESS!
Questions? Comments? For more information contact the
DOE Office of [email protected]
v
Or visit: www.nyc.gov/organics