Consumption & Waste

The District is committed to reducing the amount of trash it sends to landfills. By embracing sustainability principles, the District will not only lower costs and foster innovation and good citizenship, but will also improve the communities in which we live and work.

School Recycling Toolkit

Every school will be provided with at least one recycling dumpster and one and trash dumpster with a pick-up schedule for both.

6 Steps to Single-Stream Recycling at Your School

1. IDENTIFY a Sustainability Coordinator for your school

Select a teacher or staff member to be your Sustainability Coordinator (SC)! This person will be in charge of implementing the program. A good coordinator is someone who is familiar school staff and routines, a leader, organized and is enthusiastic about the environment.

2. ASSEMBLE a Green Team

Students can play a huge role in the success of your recycling program. They can take the burden of collection off the Building Engineer and encourage their peers to join in.

3. SUBMIT your Online BINventory

Account for bins in each classroom, office and common area, especially cafeterias!

4. SETUP your Waste Stations

Once received, recycling bins and trash cans should always be placed together — think of it as the “buddy system.” Use any provided stickers to convert any extra trash cans into recycling bins.

5. POST Signs

Be sure to post signs telling/showing what goes in each bin. This is especially important in the cafeteria! Signage will be made available for distribution and download.

6. LAUNCH Program

With an assembly and letters.

Single-Stream Recycling

What goes in the bin?

  • Mixed paper
  • Flattened cardboard
  • Plastics #1 thru #7
  • Glass bottles and jars
  • Rinsed food & drink cartons
  • Aluminum, metal cans

What stays out of the bin?

  • Food waste
  • Snack or candy wrappers
  • Paper plates or cups
  • Plastic bags
  • Styrofoam
  • Plastic-coated envelopes
  • Paper towels, napkins or tissues

Waste Program Contact Information

For issues regarding waste and recycling dumpsters and pickups please send an e-mail to trash@philasd.org. All other waste and recycling inquiries please may be sent to greenfutures@philasd.org.

Recycling Resources

NWF Eco-Schools

Classroom Presentations

Consistent and regular communication about making recycling an everyday action is key to helping students get into the habit in school, at home and throughout our city.

Register for a classroom presentation now!

Handouts and Posters

Chemical, Universal and Hazardous Waste Disposal

Do you have chemical, universal and/or hazardous wastes that need to be disposed or recycled? Learn more about the District’s chemical management plan and universal waste program.