Bellevue schools embrace recycling, earn King County Green Schools Program honors

It’s no secret that recycling and energy conservation programs can save a school district thousands of dollars a year in reduced disposal costs and lower power bills.

When 15 schools in the Bellevue School District joined the King County Green Schools Program and got their students involved in school-wide recycling programs, they not only cut waste but taught their pupils valuable lessons in conservation.

At a recent Bellevue School District School Board meeting, King County Green Schools Program Manager Dale Alekel and Sam Wilder, contractor for the King County Green Schools Program and for the City of Bellevue, presented level one Green School banners and certificates to the 15 school participants.

The City of Bellevue partnered with King County to provide technical assistance and recycling containers that were needed to either start a new recycling program or enhance existing programs at the schools.

The 15 schools that received recognition for completing level one are: Bellevue High School, Newport High School, Sammamish High School, Interlake High School, Tyee Middle School, Chinook Middle School, Highland Middle School, Odle Middle School, Cherry Crest Elementary School, Lake Hills Elementary School, Medina Elementary School, Newport Heights Elementary School, Puesta del Sol Elementary School, Sherwood Forest Elementary School, and Somerset Elementary School.

“The Bellevue School District appreciates the partnership between the district, the King County Green Schools Program and the City of Bellevue, which resulted in excellent assistance and support for the 15 schools that have completed level one of the King County Green Schools Program,” said Nancy Larson, Bellevue School District Manager of Facilities, Information Technology and Maintenance.

“Each participating school involved their whole school community – students, teachers and administrators – in reducing garbage and increasing recycling rates,” Alekel said. “We’re looking forward to assisting these schools with level two, which is focused on energy conservation, during the next school year.”

In September, after the new school year has begun, King County will help an additional 13 Bellevue schools improve their waste reduction and recycling practices and become level one King County Green Schools.

School and school district participants begin the Green Schools Program with level one, which focuses on waste reduction and recycling practices. Instead of simply listing possible waste reduction and recycling practices, the program’s level one school criteria – along with hands-on assistance – provides specific guidance on how to set up and maintain effective, long-lasting waste reduction and recycling practices.

For example, level one schools complete at least one paper reduction practice, one lunch waste reduction practice and one practice involving durable products or bulk dispensers. They also set up recycling containers and conduct outreach.

By completing level one, schools and districts reduce garbage volumes, increase recycling and conserve natural resources.  Many school participants reduce garbage disposal costs after improving their waste reduction and recycling practices.

Established in 2003, the King County Green Schools Program has helped more than 250 schools and 10 school districts to increase recycling, decrease water and energy use, and engage students in doing something good for the environment. Participation has grown each year. To date, 10 of King County’s 18 school districts have received assistance or are now participating.

Simple steps, such as recycling and setting aside food scraps for collection, add up to big benefits. Thanks to the King County Green Schools Program, hundreds of schools are now recycling 40 to 60 percent of their solid waste and 25 schools are now recycling food scraps.

The program also helps schools and districts reduce and recycle hazardous materials. Participants have set up fluorescent bulb, battery and electronic recycling programs, and, with assistance from the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County, have established better management practices for science lab and other chemicals.

The Washington State Recycling Association honored King County Green Schools with its Recycler of the Year award in May.

In addition to providing unique and effective assistance, the program offers a Web site with a wealth of helpful tools and resources: www.kingcounty.gov/GreenSchools.  Schools interested in improving their conservation practices and receiving assistance can contact Alekel at dale.alekel@kingcounty.gov.

Related information

Green Schools

King County Solid Waste