BCK Programs has developed two programs to directly involve students in helping cities meet the requirements of California Senate Bill 1383 to reduce organic waste and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Organics Recycling Action Plan

In this customizable program, students audit food waste at their school and then design a sustainable composting program to divert most food waste from the landfill. 
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Food Recovery Action Plan

Students engaged in this program focus on reducing food waste both at the source and by implementing a safe and compliant food recovery program. ​

Behavior Change Solutions
After analysis of the food waste audit data, students shift attitudes about discarding food waste in the trash bin and take the lead to inspire the entire school community to separate out fruit and veggie scraps for the compost.

School Site Actions
Students design strategies to implement food waste diversion through improvements including: sorting stations at the lunch tables, implementing a share table for recoverable food, building partnerships with local food banks to donate excess food, build vermicomposting and active compost piles on-site, and students participate in every part of the process.

Outcomes

• Quantitative campus-wide food waste data for compliance documentation
• Detailed report of structural and behavioral shifts 
• Community engagement in diverting food waste from the landfill
• Applied science practices relating to NGSS Human Impacts on Earth Systems
• Civic engagement through partnerships with local organizations and city officials
• Service learning through solving real world problems

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Examples of student work

Student Presentation to CalRecycle
Students who recently completed the Organics Recycling Action Plans and Food Recover Action Plans presented their projects to an authentic audience with officials from CalRecycle, City of Encinitas, Encinitas Union School District and National School District. 

Click on image to download pdf.

Food Waste & Recovery Public Service Announcement 
Students studying the harms of food waste in the landfill and how it relates to climate change create a district-wide PSA along with their best practices. Students also learned about SB 1383 and their City’s Climate Action Plan. 

Second Chance Food OK from Camille sowinski on Vimeo.

SCRAP Cart Public Service Announcement 
Students create a district-wide PSA to help their peers dispose of their lunch waste properly. 

SCRAP Cart Training 2020 from Camille sowinski on Vimeo.

Contact us to learn more about a Organics Recycling program in your area.