Month: July 2025

San Diego students are setting an impressive waste sorting example, one tray at a time! 

Schools across the unincorporated county are embracing recycling and sustainability in powerful ways by participating in our education programs in partnership with the County of San Diego. From lunchtime sorting stations to campus-wide green teams, students are learning and leading when it comes to proper waste disposal. 

Lunchtime Lessons That Last 

 For many students, the journey starts in the cafeteria, where they learn to not just toss everything into the nearest bin. Instead, they pause, consider what’s on their tray, and sort each item into the correct container: organic waste, recycling or landfill. This daily routine helps reinforce the importance of sorting correctly and builds lifelong habits. 

By making waste sorting a part of the school day, students develop a deeper understanding of what happens to their waste and how their actions impact the environment. They learn why a greasy plate doesn’t belong in the recycling bin or how an apple core or leftover bread crusts can be turned into nutrient-rich compost instead of landfill waste. 

Green Teams in Action 

In partnership with the County, we help schools take it a step further with student-led Green Teams: groups of dedicated students who serve as waste warriors on campus. These students model proper sorting behavior, help educate peers, and even assist with lunchtime waste sorting to improve their school’s overall sustainability. 

It’s more than just sorting, it’s empowerment. Green Team members become advocates for a cleaner community, influencing not just their classmates, but teachers, staff, and even their families at home. 

Why It Matters 

Teaching waste sorting in schools does more than keep campuses clean. It nurtures a new generation of environmentally conscious, engaged citizens who understand that small actions can create big change. By instilling these habits early, we’re helping shape a future where recycling and composting are second nature. 

And the results speak for themselves, less contamination, more compost, and smarter recycling practices that ripple out far beyond the schoolyard. 

How Can I get Involved at Home? 

If you ever find yourself staring at your bins at home, wondering where something goes, we can help! Visit www.wastefreesd.org to search for items and find out how to dispose of them properly. Let’s follow our students’ lead and make San Diego a cleaner, greener place for everyone. 

Did you know: Composting food scraps through your curbside green organics bin is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and help the environment.

But if you’ve ever dealt with the smells, mess, or fruit flies that can come with it, you’re not alone. Thankfully, a few simple habits can make a big difference in keeping your bin fresh and hassle-free.

Your compost sidekick

Start by using a kitchen caddy to collect food scraps throughout the day. Many retailers offer caddies with charcoal filters built into the lid, which help absorb smells before they escape. Find one that fits your kitchen space and empty it regularly, especially during warmer weather.

Clean bin, happy bin

To make cleanup easier, line your caddy. Brown, kraft paper from favorite online retailer is ideal., A few sheets of newspaper, a paper bag, or paper towel also work well. They help prevent “gunk” at the bottom and absorb excess moisture.

Speaking of moisture, adding food-soiled paper like napkins, paper towels, and greasy pizza boxes can make a big difference. These items help soak up juices from wet scraps and keep your bin from getting soggy.

Keep it cool to stay fresh

To tackle possible odors, try freezing your food scraps  until bin day. You can also sprinkle a little baking soda in the bottom of your bin to tackle smells before they begin. Citrus peels do double duty, adding a pleasant scent while breaking down easily with the rest of the waste.

Shoo fly, don’t bother me

If flies are an issue inside your kitchen, it usually means the scraps have been sitting too long or the lid isn’t sealing properly. Keep your caddy closed, empty it every couple of days, and give it a quick clean each week with vinegar or soap and water.

If you are getting flies and bugs in your curbside green bin, try this simple but effective DIY fruit fly trap- set out a small dish of vinegar with a drop of dish soap nearby. Adding your food scraps on top of yard trimmings already in your green bin will help soak up excess moisture and limit pests.

Unsure if an item belongs in the green bin? Check with your local waste hauler or visit WastefreeSD.org to search places you can donate non-perishable items!