Program Details
CPS generates over 40,000 tons of waste annually, 35% of which is food scraps. When sent to regional landfills currently nearing capacity, this organic waste decomposes and generates methane.
Diverting this massive organic volume presents an urgent dual opportunity to slash fugitive greenhouse gas emissions and curb escalating hauling and disposal costs.
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Opportunity
Reduce waste in landfills and communities
City-wide, Chicagoans recycle less than 10 percent of waste. In the long-term, we aim to flip that paradigm and pursue zero waste by 2040. We have an opportunity to educate students about waste diversion, resulting in not only less waste sent to landfills from our schools and facilities, but in our communities as well.
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Strategy
Our plans to achieve waste reduction include:
- All construction projects are required to create a Waste Management Plan that outlines how the project will achieve 80 percent waste diversion.
- Provide resources and guidance to facility managers and school administrators for waste management
- Develop waste and recycle strategies for athletic events and fields
- Seek grants and other support for purchase of compost equipment
- Engage students and partner organizations to conduct food waste audits and develop food waste diversion plans
- Right size waste management equipment
- Promote reuse of furniture, equipment, and supplies through the CPS Warehouse
City-wide, Chicagoans recycle less than 10 percent of waste. In the long-term, we aim to flip that paradigm and pursue zero waste by 2040.