Compost Programiong Resources
Why Compost Food Scraps at School?
Food scraps are one of the largest components of school trash. By separating food scraps from the garbage, schools can:
Reduce Waste
Keep valuable food scraps out of landfills
Reduce environmental impact
Demonstrate leadership in sustainability
Create Real-World Learning Opportunities
Connect lessons to science, agriculture, ecology, and environmental stewardship
Support STEM and project-based learning initiatives
Create meaningful student leadership opportunities
Engage Students and Families
Build awareness around responsible resource management
Create student-led green teams or environmental clubs
Showcase your school’s commitment to sustainability
Support Community Goals
Align with environmental and sustainability initiatives
Demonstrate responsible stewardship to parents and community members
How Do Schools Pay for Composting Services?
Many schools assume composting programs require a new budget line. In reality, successful programs are often funded through a variety of creative approaches.
Potential Funding Sources
PTO / PTA Support
Many parent organizations are eager to support visible sustainability projects that directly benefit students.
Environmental Grants
Local foundations, conservation districts, and community organizations often provide funding opportunities for environmental initiatives.
Student-Led Fundraisers
Students frequently enjoy raising funds for projects that make a visible impact within their school community.
Community Sponsors
Local businesses may be interested in supporting a sustainability program while demonstrating community involvement.
School Sustainability Budgets
Many districts already have environmental, facilities, or sustainability funds that may help support composting programs.
A Unique Opportunity: Host a Community-Supported Member Station
Many schools choose to host a GoZERO drop-off station on campus.
Community members sign up directly with GoZERO and pay a monthly membership fee to drop off their household food scraps at the school.
Benefits can include:
Additional sustainability opportunities for students
Increased community engagement
Positive public visibility for the school
Revenue-sharing opportunities that may help offset composting program costs
Ask us whether a Community-Supported Member Station may be a good fit for your school.
What Does GoZERO Provide?
Virtual Program Planning & Educational Support
Every school program includes access to virtual consultation and educational support designed to help you launch and grow a successful program.
This may include:
Program planning guidance
Best practices from other schools
Collection and sorting recommendations
Staff training resources
Student education ideas
Sustainability engagement activities
Program troubleshooting and ongoing support
Need on-site training, presentations, assemblies, audits, or educational programming? GoZERO also offers in-person educational and consulting services for an additional fee.
Food Scraps Collection Service
We provide:
Collection containers
Scheduled pickups (weekly, every other week, or every 4 weeks)
Responsible composting of collected food scraps
Diversion tracking and reporting options
Getting Started Is Easier Than You Think
Most schools can launch a pilot program with just a few simple steps:
Identify a cafeteria, kitchen, or lunch period to start with.
Determine where food scraps will be collected.
Educate students and staff on what belongs in the collection containers.
Begin collection and track results.
Expand as participation and interest grow.
Many schools start small and build from there.
Let’s Talk
Whether you’re ready to launch a program or simply want to learn more, GoZERO can help.
Reach out to support@gozero.org to start the conversation!