Garbage
Garbage generated by Seattle Public Schools is picked up from each facility by a contracted waste hauling company. Garbage trucks take it to a transfer station where it is moved to train. The train then takes it to a landfill, typically the Roosevelt Landfill in Klickitat County, where it remains. Landfills are attributed with water pollution through groundwater contamination, air pollution by releasing methane, and decades of restricted land use. By reducing the amount of garbage we produce, we can reduce air pollution emitted by trucks, trains, and landfills, landfill space, and potential groundwater pollution.
Garbage Measurement
Garbage is measured by the cubic yard. Charges are based on the cubic yard of the dumpster and the number of pick-ups.
Garbage Uses
Every building is different and usage will vary depending on the number of students and staff, and participation in the recycling program. Anything that cannot be recycled or composted (where available) and is not considered hazardous material goes into the garbage.
(back to top)

Recycling
Similar to garbage, unsorted recyclable materials are picked up from each facility by a contracted waste hauling company. Recycling trucks take it to a recycling transfer station where they are sorted by people, magnets, and specialized equipment. Each type of recyclable material (paper, plastic, metal, etc.) is then pressed into cubes, tied, and put into a shipping container. Trucks take the containers to a recycling mill where the materials are made into new products. By reducing and reusing recyclable materials we can reduce greenhouse gasses emitted from transporting them as well as the need for virgin material.
Recycling Measurement
Recycling is measured by the cubic yard. Charges are based on the cubic yard of the dumpster and the number of pick-ups.
Recycling Uses
Every building is different and usage will vary depending on the number of students and staff and level of participation in the recycling program. Because SPS is a commercial customer, our recyclable materials may differ from those you can put into your home recycling container. Recyclable materials include plastic and glass bottles, aluminum and tin cans, milk cartons, plastic tubs, paper, flattened cardboard, and newspaper. (more)
(back to top)

Organic Materials
Many organic materials such as yard and food waste can be made into compost. Yard and food waste dumpsters are picked up by a contracted waste hauling company and taken to a Cedar Grove recycling center. Some schools have begun lunchroom food waste recycling programs in order to divert their post-consumer organic waste from the garbage. Food waste is put into dumpsters which are picked up from the school by Cedar Grove Composting. They are then taken by truck to their Everett Facility where the material is ground up and put into closely monitored piles for decomposition and sterilization. The finished compost is then packaged and sold for use in gardens and landscaping. Note: Composting is not currently a district standard in the way recycling and garbage is, and is not available at every school.
Organic Material Measurement
Yard and food waste is measured by the cubic yard. Charges are based on the cubic yard of the dumpster and the number of pick-ups.
Organic Material Uses
Schools that do have composting programs can include food scraps, food soiled paper, plant and wood scraps in their compost dumpster. Yard waste recycling is typically utilized during grounds clean-ups and maintenance. more)
(back to top)