The document summarizes the single stream recycling program implemented in the Framingham Public Schools from 2006 to present. It describes how the program began as a pilot at Framingham High School before expanding district-wide. Key aspects of setting up the program included acquiring recycling bins, establishing collection routines, and providing educational materials and presentations to students and staff. As a result of the program, over 29,000 pounds of materials were recycled in the first six months and many schools reduced their trash pickup frequency. The program continues to be successful through ongoing communication and promotion.

1. Single Stream Recycling Program Framingham, MA Liz Ellsworth Recycling Coordinator/Environmental Educator March 29, 2011

2. Framingham Public Schools Single Stream Recycling Program: Fall 2006 – Present Prior to 2006: paper and plastic bottles at some schools Total Student Population: 8,182 Total Number of Schools: 14 1 Pre-School 8 Elementary Schools 3 Middle Schools 2 High Schools

3. Program Driver 2 Violation Notices Recycling Program Mandate

4. Pilot Program Mutual venture between Town of Framingham and Waste Management WM wanted to pilot single stream recycling programs Town of Framingham required to implement school recycling program Recycling Program Institute sustainable paper recycling program Introduce single stream once routine established Pilot at Framingham High School Total school population: 2600+ ( 2,152 students, 500 faculty and staff) Utilized MassDEP Grant Municipal Waste Reduction Technical Assistance Grant Awarded to Town of Framingham DPW Allowed for hire of intern to focus on Framingham High School’s recycling program

5. Pilot Program Implementation Designated key areas within school for placement of recycling collection carts Created weekly collection schedule Educated school community about benefits of recycling and new program procedures Estimated volume of collected recycled materials each week Pilot program was a success!! Amount of collected material increased significantly Single stream recycling implemented throughout all Framingham Public Schools

6. Program Logistics Identify what type of recycling program to implement Material(s) to collect Paper only, co-mingled, or single stream Overall goals Evaluation criteria Hold initial program meetings prior to start of the program Meetings prior to start of school year Custodians, principal, DPW or Board of Health liaison Contact interested parties (students, teachers/staff, PTO) Principal introduces new recycling program at first all-staff meeting of the year Determine equipment necessary for program Containers for: classrooms, hallways, offices Sizes

7. Program Logistics cont. Acquire containers What does the school already own? Who foots the bill? How are they transported to the school? Map out the collection container logistics Where are they placed? Who is responsible for emptying them? Who reminds school community to empty them? Coordinate collection Establish collection routine within school community How will the new program work with existing trash and recycling collection schedules? What is the start date?

8. Program Logistics cont. Education and communication What is recycling? Describe program goals and procedures Open dialogue between all parties Be on site Daily to start and less as program becomes institutionalized Address concerns Track the collection How full are the containers? Identify trouble spots and focus on key areas Additional containers (special events or areas) Address any confusion What can go in? Contamination Reassess program needs

9. Program Logistics cont. Maintain contact with the invested parties Principals, hauler (Waste Management), custodial staff Monthly district-wide Conservation Committee meetings Visit with Green Teams or environmental clubs Follow-up with staff on collection logistics Report program’s progress to all invested parties Once infrastructure and routine established Evaluate trash containers to see how full Determine which ones could be reduced in size

10. Program Costs Labor Custodial, DPW, school staff No additional costs required Material Wheeled collection carts (toters) Provided by recycling hauler - typically no additional costs Classroom and desk side bins (typically $5 each) Educational materials (created by student groups) Other Recycling collection at schools already included under existing recycling contract Overall costs for implementation was low Dedicated time to ensure program success was high

11. Education and Outreach Provide age-specific recycling presentations (K-12) Single classroom programs and school-wide assemblies Partner with key school groups Custodial staff, environmental clubs, green teams, science classes, PTO Create multilingual educational materials English, Spanish, and Portuguese Utilize school media Newspapers, newsletters, TV, and internet Positive feedback Participate in community-wide events Earth Day, Green-Up Day, America Recycles Day

12. Results Recycled 29,433.2lbs of single stream material in the first 6 months of the Pilot Program Framingham HS recycled 35% of the waste generated during the 2010 calendar year Modified trash collection at several schools Reduced number of trash pick ups each year Reduced size of trash dumpsters Recycling now part of the “norm!”

13. Continuing Success Maintain partnerships & open dialogue with all parties Custodial staff, DPW, Buildings and Grounds, principals, teachers, staff, school communities, PTOs, Green Teams Highlight success stories (shameless self-promotion) District –Wide Conservation Committee Offering Professional Development Points (PDPs) for teachers and staff participation time Rejuvenate enthusiasm for recycling Contests: in-house or company-sponsored Recyclable material –specific drives: Styrofoam or catalogs Encourage recycling program extensions – composting, athletic fields, etc

14. Questions? Liz Ellsworth, Recycling Coordinator/Environmental Educator Town of Framingham Ph: 508-532-6005/ E-Mail: [email_address] www.framinghamma.gov