Ongoing Waste Audit of Westfield Public School

Erin Kraus

Co-Presenters: Beatriz Cruz, Javier Rivadeneyra, Rassell Santa Cruz, Derek Melendez, Kelly Zambrana, Juliana Kaprowski, Nicholas Sarsfield

College: Hennings College of Science Mathematics and Technology

Major: BS.ENVIRSCI

Faculty Research Mentor: Sarnoski, Joseph  

Abstract:

Proper food waste disposal programs are a financial burden for many urban communities, with school districts spending $1.7 billion annually on food waste nationwide. Diverting material from the waste stream into categories such as recyclables, food waste, and municipal waste can possibly reduce disposal costs. The purpose of this study is to identify opportunities to reduce landfill waste, improve recycling and food waste diversion, and maintain current disposal costs. A team of Kean University students will conduct waste audits on two separate days for both McKinley Elementary School and Jefferson Elementary School in the Westfield School District to compare the amount of waste generated. An educational component will be incorporated with Girl Scout Troop 40154 to ensure the sustainability of the food waste program through education. The success of this project will be determined by waste reduction within a flat budget and ultimately by whether this project can be reproduced by other school districts.