Discussion of the 2003 School District Waste Reduction Survey and Findings April 13-14, 2004

Purpose of Survey School DEEL requires: –The Board to evaluate the implementation of school waste reduction programs –If < 75% of schools have a waste reduction program, the Board is to recommend to the Legislature statutory changes needed to require schools to implement such programs.

Evaluation of School Waste Reduction Program Implementation Survey as method of evaluation –Electronic format Methodology –Letters to all school district superintendents –Voluntary (School districts not required to participate)

Results of Evaluation Response Rate Board staff cannot determine with acceptable statistical confidence whether 75% of schools are participating in diversion programs. Board staff do not recommend statutory changes at this time

Analysis of Survey Results Continued need to institutionalize diversion programs into the district’s business practices Program implementation efforts relate to school district size Paper and organics are primarily addressed through waste prevention.

District-wide Solid Waste Management Program Information

Buy-Recycled Program Implementation

Waste Prevention Program Implementation

Recycling Program Implementation

Composting Program Implementation

Barriers to Waste Reduction Program Implementation

Next Steps – (Short Term) Survey Promotion Publish Survey results on Board’s School Waste Management Education & Assistance Web site Promote Survey information and tools to local jurisdictions & school districts

Next Steps – Short Term Coordinate with the Board’s: –Sustainable Building Section regarding districts reporting planned school construction projects –Office of Education and the Environment regarding districts interested in receiving the Board’s Environment Matters electronic newsletter –Buy Recycled staff to evaluate the Board’s existing buy-recycled resources and outreach efforts for school districts

Next Steps – Short Term (continued) Analyze survey data with respect to organic waste, to increase organic waste diversion activities Encourage districts to explore different options for institutionalizing recycling program implementation

Next Steps – (Long Term) Outreach Use Survey data to tailor existing school- related resources and outreach efforts to school districts and local jurisdictions. Continue to partner with school district professional organizations

Next Steps – Long Term (continued) Conduct future school district waste reduction surveys –Update current on-line survey to meet future needs –Identify and implement actions in an effort to increase the Survey participation rate

Questions?