Policy 7.197

Waste Reduction, Materials Reuse, and Recycling Policy

1. Purpose. -- The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines for the implementation of a District-wide waste reduction, materials reuse, and recycling program. In combination, these actions will effectively institutionalize the integrated waste management hierarchy of "reduce, reuse, and recycle." This Policy is designed to underscore the importance of resource conservation and encourage an overall ethic of environmental responsibility throughout the District. Through the successful implementation of this policy the District will save money by reducing the cost of disposing waste while reducing the District's environmental impact.

2. Delegation of Responsibility. -- Each District department, school, and individual school community member has a responsibility for implementing this policy. Specifically, the District shall strive to decrease its generation of waste and increase recycling by:

   1. Reducing the consumption of consumable materials whenever possible;

   2. Fully using all materials prior to disposal;

   3. Minimizing the use of non-biodegradable and non-reusable products whenever possible; and

   4. Providing appropriate mechanisms and equipment for the proper separation and recovery of recyclable materials.

3. Goals and Guidelines. -- Recycling Goals - By June 20, 2010 schools and District administrative offices, shops, warehouses and other ancillary facilities shall make all reasonable efforts to divert at least 25 percent of their waste through waste prevention, reuse, and recycling. At a minimum, schools and offices should provide opportunities for students and staff to recycle mixed paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, and aluminum. Additional facilities may be set up to collect ink and toner cartridges, cell phones, and other electronic waste ("e-waste").

4. Designated Official(s). -- The Chief of Facilities Management, through the Environmental Control Office (ECO), will be responsible for implementing, directing, monitoring and evaluating this policy and addressing waste reduction and recycling issues District-wide. To assist with this Policy, each school principal and each facility manager shall designate an employee who will act as the coordinator for waste reduction and recycling and who shall be trained on relevant waste reduction strategies by the ECO.

5. Administrative Procedures. -- The Superintendent, or designee, shall develop the necessary administrative procedures and guidelines for the appropriate implementation of this policy.

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EDITORIAL NOTE (which is NOT part of the policy):

The Administrative Procedures and Guidelines document related to this Policy can be found at: http://www.palmbeachschools.org/eco/Policies.asp