Education and School Waste Reduction Programs
School Instruction
The Education and the Environment Initiative (EEI) curriculum teaches select K-12 California academic content standards in Science and History-Social Science, using the environment as a context for learning. This curriculum is designed to increase environmental literacy.
Teachers can use the EEI curriculum to:
- Engage students in topics that matter to them, like the air they breathe, the water they drink, and the food they eat.
- Cultivate students’ understanding of their relationship with the environment.
- Encourage students to be responsible stewards of the earth.
- Teach History-Social Science and Science while supporting California Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards.
For EEI curriculum, environmental education resources, and related questions, contact eei@calrecycle.ca.gov.
School Operation
California schools and school districts must provide organics and recycling containers for students and staff to collect waste generated from products purchased and consumed on-site, for schools that:
- Generate four or more cubic yards of trash a week – are required to recycle.
- Generate two or more cubic yards per week of solid waste, recyclables, and organics – are also required to recycle their organic waste.
Learn how starting or expanding recycling and waste reduction programs at your school or school district makes economic sense, promotes environmental stewardship, and assists in meeting state recycling and solid waste mandates.
CalRecycle local assistance staff are available to help with questions about waste reduction, including setting up recycling programs, identifying local resources, and more.
Environmental Education Resources
- Sustainability Degrees: Learn more about sustainability careers and details about the types of degrees you can study in preparation.
Important Past Initiatives
- School Diversion and Environmental Education Law (DEEL): DEEL created a series of integrated waste management and environmental education mandates for the California Integrated Waste Management Board (now CalRecycle).
- School Energy Efficiency (SEE) Program: The SEE Program provided a variety of energy education resources and facility improvement services free of charge to school districts in several California counties.
Tools for Schools
Inspire and educate students!
Related Links
For more information contact, the Office of Public Affairs, OPA@calrecycle.ca.gov