• Each classroom waste station should look consistent with three bins that are clearly labeled (see photo below).
• Position the bins as a single sorting station, keeping the bins together if possible.
• Assign students to take necessary classroom bins to the central depot 2–3 times per week, and always before weekends and holidays.
• Your school may wish to implement friendly reminders with the use of a short song or chime over the PA system to remind students to bring materials down.
• Encourage students and staff to work together to identify and correct improperly sorted items, reinforcing good habits.

• Choose a centralized location for your depot(s). 

• Use larger bins at the depot to consolidate classroom waste before it’s transferred to outdoor storage by custodial staff.

• Keep extra compostable and clear plastic bags at the depot so students can re-line bins after emptying them.

• To prevent odours and pests, do not store full organics carts inside the school. Once full, move them outdoors and swap with an empty cart.

• Wash bins as needed to control odours and deter pests.

Take inventory to assess what materials your school needs to support the waste program. Supplies available to schools through the Learning & Living Green program include:

• Classroom green bins (two sizes available)
• Organics cart (two sizes available)
• Wall signage

To place an order, please click here. Note: Only schools that are part of the Learning & Living Green program should use this form.

Note: Certified compostable bags can be ordered through your regular custodial supply vendor . For recycling materials, contact your local board representative.

Recycling

Please contact your local board representative for all recycling inquiries.









Students

• The Learning & Living Green program is designed to educate and engage students in waste reduction and diversion, encouraging similar habits at home.

• Students learn by doing: placing waste in the correct bins at classroom sorting stations, using signage as a guide.

• Assign two students to take materials to the depot 2–3 times per week, especially before weekends and holidays. Rotate roles to ensure everyone participates.

Teachers

• Designate students to manage bin duties: taking waste to the depot, re-lining bins, and returning them to the classroom.

• Explore curriculum connections to waste and environmental topics (e.g., landfill, composting, recycling) to reinforce the importance of the program.

• Monitor sorting and point out contamination errors to support learning.

Custodial Staff

• Transfer depot materials to outdoor storage for collection.

• Maintain inventory and ensure bags are available for classroom use.

• Clean bins as needed to prevent odours and pests.

• Place organics carts curbside by 7 a.m. on collection day.

• Swap full depot bins with empty ones regularly. Avoid prolonged indoor storage of waste to maintain a clean environment.

School Administration

• Ensure whole-school participation in the waste program.

• Seek support from the school board or County of Simcoe when needed to maintain or improve program effectiveness.

Green Teams

A dedicated Green Team can serve as the school’s waste ambassadors by:

• Promoting participation through the school website, social media, newsletters, announcements, and assemblies.

• Monitoring depot use and contamination levels. Consider offering incentives (e.g., extra recess) to high-performing classes.

• Ensuring classroom bins and signage are properly arranged and maintained.




   

  




  


• Use certified compostable bags to line green bins.

• Keep bin lids closed when not in use.

• Empty bins regularly—ideally 2–3 times per week and always before weekends or holidays.

• Avoid storing organics or recycling indoors. Deposit materials into depot bins and transfer them outside promptly.

• Clean bins as needed to prevent buildup and odours.

• Empty liquids before disposal to reduce mess and smell.

To help launch your school’s new waste program, County of Simcoe waste experts are available to deliver a customized waste presentation. This final step ensures that everyone in the school understands what goes into each bin and how the program will operate.

• Presentations are tailored to meet the specific needs of your school.

• Green Team training is also available to support ongoing leadership and engagement.



Contact your local School Board Representative or email solidwaste@simcoe.ca to get started!