Edgemont Embarks on Waste Reduction and Recycling Program

With training and oversight from the Greenburgh Nature Center (GNC), funding provided by a grant from Edgemont School Foundation (ESF) and support from The Moses Feldman Family Foundation, Edgemont schools have embarked upon a district-wide comprehensive waste reduction and recycling program. This program allows Edgemont students to translate their classroom learning on the environment into real-world action.

Students, staff, and administrators at Greenville Elementary School, the pilot school, have been trained by the GNC to separate their compostables, recycling and trash into new source separation stations in the cafeteria, the hallways for snack, and teacher lounge. Green Teams comprised of teachers and staff have been formed at each school to introduce and oversee the program. And the PTA and PTSA are working with the GNC and Green Teams to run waste-free events and reduce and/or improve packaging from outside vendors. Based on initial weight audits, Greenville has already seen over a 75% reduction in the school's waste headed for the incinerator. And the kids are truly enjoying sorting their waste and being "Recycling Rangers" during lunch periods. Seely Elementary and Edgemont Jr./Sr. High School will be rolled out over the next several months.

See photos of the program roll-out at the Greenville School with Greenville Principal Jennifer Allen explaining the program in the cafeteria, and photos of the Edgemont PTA Back to School BBQ. Working with community members at the BBQ waste sorting stations, staff from the Greenburgh Nature Center (Rachel Becker with Oscar) and parent/child Green Teams helped to divert 95% of the waste to either a composting or ecycling facility. Sorting stations were also set up by the Seely Place School parent Green Team at the PTA Fun Run today, with similar results. And the EHS Business Club has partnered with the PTA to sell reusable containers for kids' lunches and snacks. These events have engaged the whole community in the initiative, and parents have been provided with tools to help reduce waste at the source.