Waste Prevention
Overview
Waste prevention aims to minimize the amount of waste produced and maximize the efficient use of resources. These efforts are crucial for environmental conservation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainability in resource usage. Waste prevention initiatives aim to promote a circular economy where resource use is minimized, and waste generation is significantly reduced.
In addition to the District’s focus on waste prevention, The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, also known as CalRecycle, has also passed state mandate SB1383. This mandate requires schools to have bins with signs in places where recyclables, compostables, and landfill items are generated. The mandate also includes annual training, constant monitoring, and the implementation of a food recovery program. The mandate was originally passed due to landfills being the third largest source of methane in the state of California as a result of an overabundance of organic waste, amounting to “20% of the state's methane.”
The Sustainability Policy and Plan, once approved, will address waste prevention and contribute to global emission reduction goals, enrich the educational experience, and promote environmental justice.
For more information on the current OUSD Waste Prevention Program, please contact Nancy Deming, Sustainability Manager, Custodial and Nutrition Services, at nancy.deming@ousd.org.
Waste Prevention Projects
OUSD Sustainability in the News
Board Ends Styrofoam
In November 2011, the OUSD Board of Education voted to discontinue the use of styrofoam in all District schools and facilities. Read the press release on Oakland North.
Composting in OUSD
In 2012, Lincoln Elementary School implemented a composting system in its cafeteria to educate students about proper waste sorting. Explore the story on Oakland North.
Expanding Food Share Bins
Highlighted by the Food & Environment Reporting Network in 2018, OUSD's Food Share Sorting Program was implemented in various schools. Grist, a non-profit, independent media outlet covering sustainability stories, also covered the program. Read the story on Grist.
K-12 School Food Recovery Roadmap
In 2018, the Sustainability Team developed the K-12 School Food Recovery Roadmap, offering guidance on implementing surplus food reduction and recovery initiatives. See the Food Recovery Roadmap and explore the article on BioCycle.