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Universal Recycling for Schools

elementary school kids walking their trays to a waste sorting stationWhat does Universal Recycling mean for Vermont schools?

The Universal Recycling law requires all Vermont schools to have a convenient and consistent program for recycling and food scrap composting. Schools play a critical role in waste reduction as producers of recyclables and food scraps, but most importantly as educators. Schools serve as models for their communities and can teach students why recycling and composting matter. Behaviors we learn as children become our habits as adults, and the systems schools make today will be second nature for tomorrow’s leaders.

If your school needs help improving your recycling or food scrap collection systems, call 802-828-1138. We will also connect you with your local solid waste management entity for further assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does my school need to do?

All schools need to recycle the required materials and keep food scraps out of the trash. Many schools get the scraps hauled to a compost site. Some schools compost on-site or give their scraps to a local chicken farmer. Schools also need to manage their hazardous materials and all other landfill banned items properly.

How can schools get help?

Both DEC's Solid Waste Program (802-828-1138) and your local solid waste management entity can provide technical assistance for establishing and evaluating school recycling and composting programs. 

Schools can also ask around! There are most likely people in your school community, including teachers, facilities and cafeteria staff, administrators, and parents, that have experience with recycling, food scrap collection, and composting. 

Use the School Recycling Guide, which provides information on recycling and composting programs in schools, or call DEC’s Solid Waste Program at 802-828-1138.

Can our school donate excess food?

The Universal Recycling Law encourages people to donate extra food--if properly handled and not previously served--to organizations that feed the hungry. Guidance for Food Donation contains information on safe food handling for kitchen staff. By donating excess food from schools, you keep food out of landfills, lower costs, and support Vermonters in need.

Historically, a great deal of unused, high-quality food from schools has gone to waste, often because of fear of liability should donated food go bad. The federal Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (42 U.S.C. 1791) provides liability protection for food donors. In addition, a federal statute that is part of the National School Lunch act provides specific protection for schools.

Can our school feed leftover food to pigs or chickens?

Yes, but if feeding pigs, do not feed them meat, fish, or food scraps that have come in contact with meat or fish juices. Please follow the Guidance on Feeding Food Scraps to Pigs from the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.