Building a Comprehensive School Recycling Program
Track
Schools
Speakers
Amy Unruh, I Love A Clean San Diego
Title
Waste Recovery Manager
Speaker Biography
I have been a "nature kid" all my life. I spent much of my childhood outdoors on hikes, camping trips, and summer camps, but it wasn't until my Junior year of college that I decided I wanted to go into the environmental field. I took a course called "Environmental Studies 101," and was shocked that I hadn't yet heard of the things I was learning, and by the fact that it wasn't a required course for all students. My path was decided then- my passion lies in making sustainability a practical and economically viable way of life for everyone.
Abstract Title
Building a Comprehensive School Recycling Program
Speaker Abstract
A comprehensive and effective school recycling program requires the involvement and cooperation of stakeholders at all levels (superintendents, directors, principals, students, custodians, teachers, waste haulers, and more). I Love A Clean San Diego (ILACSD) has created a structured and repeatable program that assists schools of all sizes, demographics, and age levels to improve their waste diversion rates through traditional and organics recycling. Since the beginning of the program, ILACSD has worked with over 60 schools across San Diego County, helping them divert up to 92% of landfilled waste. During this presentation, we will discuss our process in creating the recycling program and successes, lessons learned, and challenges yet to overcome. This presentation will also include a discussion, where attendees are encouraged to collaborate on questions such as, "How do we get middle school students on board?" and "How can we maintain interest and momentum?" We hope to see you there!