What to expect during Single Stream Rollout
The process typically begins a couple of weeks before the scheduled roll out when Gayle contacts the Green Schools rep to review what is needed. She will ask for the name of the head custodian in order to book a meeting with him. At this point Ron Matten will call the principal so that he/she knows what we are doing and why. He should also encourage them to speak with the cafeteria monitors about their role in making sure the process works long term. The support of the custodial and cafeteria staff is critical to success.
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The process typically begins a couple of weeks before the scheduled roll out when Gayle contacts the Green Schools rep to review what is needed. She will ask for the name of the head custodian in order to book a meeting with him. At this point Ron Matten will call the principal so that he/she knows what we are doing and why. He should also encourage them to speak with the cafeteria monitors about their role in making sure the process works long term. The support of the custodial and cafeteria staff is critical to success.
The week before the roll out, Gayle and the Green Schools rep meet with the school's head custodian and Matt Orsaia from Finocchio Bros. They look at the current dumpsters on the loading dock and discuss any changes required to the dumpsters and pick-up schedule (typically a larger recycling container is needed). After that Matt leaves and the others go to the cafeteria to look at the current set up and how it needs to be modified for single stream (moving trash barrels, adding recycle barrels, hanging signs, etc). If the cafeteria monitors are there, the team ensures that they have been told what is happening. The custodian is also asked to think about any additional bins needed throughout the school.
During this week, the Green Schools rep should touch base with the principal to go over the specifics on what will happen in the cafeteria and should email him/her the link to the youtube video and the classroom guide.
The week usually runs as follows, but can be modified as needed:
Monday - general introduction to cafeteria recycling
Tuesday - show single stream youtube video ((https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GP3JuiX5BY)
Wednesday - discuss benefits for town
Thursday - recycling in the classroom (Click here for Guide)
Friday - no talk
Each day volunteers stand at the bins and help the kids sort as well. Ideally, there are 3-4 volunteers on Monday and Tuesday and then two is usually enough for the rest of the week. Gayle is typically there most days and can get 1-2 other volunteers if given enough time to notify them. The Green Schools rep will hopefully be able to be there a couple of days and can get the support of a few other parents.
Showing the video is dependent on having a screen and/or projector in the cafeteria. The Green Schools rep can coordinate with the media staff on how best to show it. If the school don't have the ability to show it in the cafeteria, they can think of other options (e.g., Glenville had teachers show the video in the classrooms).
The Classroom Guide should be distributed to the teachers before the roll out so they know what they should be recycling in the classrooms. Some schools have a teacher or administrator who is enthusiastic about this and has done a short presentation at a staff meeting.
Our experience is that the kids catch on quickly and most of the older kids know what to do by the end of the week. Kindergarteners and First Graders tend to have more trouble as they have difficulty holding the tray while sorting things. Assistance from the monitors for the younger students is a great help.
The volume of recycling on any given day is highly dependent on the food being served. Meals with lots of sauce, syrup, and ketchup result in fewer trays recycled. Generally, however, at least half of the waste in the cafeteria can be recycled.
We realize that the sorting is not perfect and that food/dirty containers do wind up in the recycle bin. Hopefully the kids will get better over time. We started the process knowing that there would be some contamination but believe that it is important that the kids understand and embrace recycling wherever they work and play.
If you have any questions please contact:
Gayle Hagegard, Green Schools/GRAB, gayle@hagagard.com
Deanna Novak, Green Schools, deannanov@gmail.com
Sally Davies, GRAB, daviesally@aol.com
Posted by Gayle Hagegard
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