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Environmental Education Program
Thurston County Solid Waste has the resources and tools to help you reduce waste! We work to conserve environmental resources through education and outreach, technical assistance, diversion programs, and advocacy. Our staff, website, and Facebook page can answer all your waste reduction and recycling questions.
For Homeowners Associations and Organizations
Do you have a business, homeowners' association, civic organization, or other group that would like to learn how to live a bit greener? Our education staff provides free presentations to help the community learn more about the many convenient waste reduction and recycling opportunities available in Thurston County. We have a variety of topics available and can tailor presentations to your groups needs. To schedule a speaker for your next meeting or other group event, call Brian Stafki at 709-3053 or e-mail stafkib@co.thurston.wa.us.
School Programs and Teacher Resources
Presentations and Resources
Thurston County Solid Waste offers free, high-quality, interactive presentations to teach K-6 students about recycling, composting, sustainability, waste reduction, solid waste management and hazardous household products. We also provide students with opportunities to earn community service hours, and help them gather information for their environmental projects. For more information, e-mail Colleen Minion at minionc@co.thurston.wa.us or call 786-5269. For descriptions of the presentations, click here or click on the thumbnail image.
Waste Reduction and Recycling Lending Library
Our library has a wide variety of environmental books and media for all ages. To borrow from our lending library, call Colleen Minion, 786-269 or email minionc@co.thurston.wa.us.
Click here to see the Lending Library.
Also
see "The Story of Stuff" Videos (external link)
"Trash Talk" Newsletter for Students
Fourth and 5th grade students in Thurston County get their own “Trash
Talk” publication delivered to the classroom. It features
information on recycling, reuse, household hazardous waste, yard waste,
waste reduction, and more. The newsletter is informative while offering
activities like word searches, crossword puzzles, and other games to
make learning more fun! To see the latest editions,
click
here or click on the thumbnail image.
Recycling Programs and Waste Sorts
Our staff is available to help establish or enhance your school recycling or composting program and provide a waste sort. A staff can member will meet you on-site to figure out the best approach for your school's individual needs.
Food and Compost Recycling Service
Schools and colleges in Thurston County are realizing just how easy it is to recycle food scraps and soiled paper products from their lunchrooms.
K-12 schools participate in the "Food to Flowers" program.
Colleges participate in the "Food Plus Organics Recycling" program.
Both programs accept the same materials, however, the Food to Flowers program includes interactive training with teachers and students.
Waste-Free Lunches
One of the best ways to reduce waste at school is to encourage kids to bring "waste-free" lunches to school. According to the Waste-Free Lunches Web site, it has been estimated that on average a school-age child using a disposable lunch generates 67 pounds of waste per school year. That equates to 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for just one average-size elementary school. Instead of using individually-wrapped foods, disposable drink containers, plastic utensils, and paper lunch bags, Waste-Free lunches include:
Contact Us
Call Colleen Minion at (360) 786-5269 or e-mail minionc@co.thurston.wa.us.
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