From launching a districtwide recycling program to expanding composting in school cafeterias, New Haven Public Schools is deepening its commitment to environmental sustainability while engaging students and staff in the process. 聽Michelle Martinelli, the district鈥檚 environmental and sustainability manager, said one of the central focuses has been expanding school-based recycling.
Currently, 17 schools are actively participating in the district鈥檚 recycling program, which targets glass, paper, and plastic waste. While every school already has at least one cardboard Dumpster and one trash Dumpster, participation in the recycling program also requires blue outdoor totes, which are provided by the Department of Public Works. 聽 To support this effort, IKEA New Haven donated 165 recycling bins with lids and 75 regular trash cans to schools across the district.
The city also recently appointed a new recycling educator, Rose Richi, who has been working closely with Martinelli. The two have been visiting schools to provide in-person recycling education sessions and help form sustainability teams at each site to ensure best practices are being followed.