StopWaste At School
StopWaste is a public agency that helps students, teachers and school district staff across Alameda County become leaders in waste prevention and recycling at school.
For activities and lessons, see our curriculum and videos.
School Program Overview
Please note that registration is closed for the 17-18 academic year.
4th Grade: Field trips to the StopWaste Education Center
Students can learn first-hand what happens to their recyclables, compostables and garbage at a materials recovery facility and transfer station. Free bus transportation provided.
Questions? Contact Arielle Conway (510) 891-6537
4-6th Grade Classrooms: 4Rs Student Action Projects
Bring academic fun and the 4Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rot (compost) into the classroom. Students engage in project-based learning and develop skills to make a difference in their school and their community. StopWaste educators visit the classroom and facilitate a three-part series of two-hour lessons.
Questions? Contact Angelina Vergara (510) 891-6520
Middle & High School: StopWaste Ambassador Program (SWAP)
SWAP offers a range of services to help advance environmental education and leadership in Alameda County middle and high schools. StopWaste can provide teacher training, Green Team Action Project Kits, educator stipends, and technical assistance in supporting your students to take action at school and at home.
Questions? Contact Angelina Vergara (510) 891-6520
Anchor Schools
In an effort to amplify our work countywide, we are currently accepting applications for at least one school to become the model StopWaste school for their district. StopWaste Anchor Schools are committed to educating students to apply their academics in action-based project learning to stop waste at home, at school, and in their community. Anchor schools commit to planning hours to take action with StopWaste educators and will be given priority for StopWaste educator project support and StopWaste resources. To be eligible to become an anchor school, your school needs to have participated in a StopWaste Schools program within the last three years, and have one lead administrator, teacher or club leader as a main liaison. To apply to be a StopWaste Anchor School, apply here.
Priority School Districts
In Alameda County, a number of school districts have declared a commitment to reducing the amount of readily recyclable and compostable materials to less than 10% of trash sent to the landfill by the year 2020. These districts are eligible for priority registration and technical assistance from our Schools Program. For the 18-19 school year, we are also looking for new district partners to support our food waste reduction school programs. If you’re interested in becoming a priority district, e-mail schools@stopwaste.org.