The Service-Learning Waste Reduction Project, or SLWRP, is a partnership between StopWaste.Org’s irecycle@school program, the Alameda County Office of Education, and local secondary schools.  SLWRP seeks to empower students by increasing their waste reduction knowledge through engaging active learning experiences.   Students examine the role they play in generating waste, learn where their waste goes and discover how to respond through practical 4R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle, rot) strategies. Back

During the 2007-2008 school year, SLWRP worked with twelve secondary schools serving over 20,000 students in the Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, New Haven, Oakland, San Leandro and San Lorenzo unified school districts.  2008-2009 marks the 9th year of the project.

The SLWRP Team
The SLWRP team is typically comprised of five teachers from each participating school working with students on service-learning projects to reduce waste on campus. Schools receive support and training from ACOE and stopwaste.org.  One or two of these teachers play the lead role of "Site Coordinator.”  The team teaches waste reduction lessons in their individual classrooms and works together with students to develop practical waste reduction strategies on campus.  The SLWRP team meets monthly at times that are convenient for all members in order to check-in and coordinate activities. 

SLWRP GOALS

SLWRP’s educational goals include:

• Engaging multiple classes of students in campus-wide service-learning experiences that connect California content standards with waste reduction
• Empowering students to take active leadership roles defining and promoting their school waste reduction and recycling programs
• Developing lifelong waste reduction habits for students and staff
• Developing a conservation ethic and an appreciation of natural resources

SLWRP’s waste reduction goals include:

• Reducing the amount of waste going into Alameda County landfills
• Reducing litter and increasing campus beautification
• Increasing school-wide 4R’s interest and knowledge
• Developing collaborative teacher teams to institutionalize and sustain waste reduction efforts

SLWRP Services, Resources, and Expectations

Basic Services and Materials

• In-service training for service-learning
• Support through Site Coordinator and Site Team meetings
• Technical assistance by industry experts in waste reduction practices
• Individual assistance on service-learning and waste reduction
• Davis Street Transfer Station Field Trips
• Guest Speakers and In-class presentations
• Waste Reduction Curriculum
• 4Rs videos
• 4Rs posters
• SLWRP Curriculum Handbook
• Stipends for site team members
• Creation of model service-learning lessons
• Emphasis on waste reduction education