Best practices for establishing an effective recycling program include appointing an adult sustainability coordinator for your school.
See prior year Golden Apple Awards winners in our TrashMasters! Super Recyclers contests for examples of model school recycling programs, and how Recycling Clubs or Green Teams can help.
back to top | back to recycling in schools
NYC Department of Education
Sustainability Coordinators
Here are the NYC Department of Education requirements 
for Sustainability Coordinators in public schools:
Each principal must designate a School Sustainability Coordinator from administrative or teaching (not custodial) staff.
The School Sustainability Coordinator and principal shall consult with representatives from all sectors of the school, including food services and custodial staff, and wherever possible, parents and students, in developing and implementing the School Recycling and Waste Reduction Plan. See the
DOE Sustainability website for details.
FOR 2011-12 School Year:
By November 23, 2011, principals must complete and sign the
basic recycling plan (pdf) and keep the completed plan on file at the school.
Principal (or principal designee) is required to fill out the
Recycling Plan web application on the Department of Ed portal, confirming they have appointed a Sustainability Coordinator and describing the school’s comprehensive sustainability efforts by choosing among multiple options.
At campus schools (housing more than one school), it is recommended that the Sustainability Coordinators and custodial staff from each school meet periodically to discuss and coordinate the recycling activities for the entire building.
Inquiries about these requirements should be addressed to the DOE Division of School Facilities.
Use the site visit request form to arrange for a DSNY Recycling Outreach specialist to attend a building-wide meeting or your individual school.
back to top | back to recycling in schools
ALSO SEE:
helpful links for recycling setup
school recycling activities for students
info for schools
back to top | back to recycling in schools
Sustainability Coordinators
