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 Sustainabilitysustainability@schools.nyc.go

v

Or visit: www.nyc.gov/organics