Handbook for schools on organic waste management

The Handbook has been realized as part of the 2nd stage phase of the City Assistance Project offered to the Municipality of Sao Paulo under the framework of the Climate and Clean Air Coalition Municipal Solid Waste Initiative (CCAC MSWI), implemented by ISWA, the International Solid Waste Association, with local coordination of ABRELPE, the Brazilian Association of Public Cleaning and Special Waste Companies, ISWA’s National Member in Brazil. The 1st stage of the Project with Sao Paulo was a city assessment and the establishment of an Action Plan for Sao Paulo in line with Sao Paulo’s PGIRS (the Solid Waste Integrated Management Plan 2014 - 2024). The 2nd stage aims to provide technical and strategic guidance on how to pursue the Action Plan and to build capacity in public communication and bio-waste treatment plant operation. This document is an outcome of one of the activities of the 2nd stage of the Project – to develop a handbook for schools on waste management focused on the organic fraction which aims to: Emphasize the important role that schools play as a waste generator as well as an educational agent sensitizing the future generations on solid waste management; demonstrate the potential for reduction of waste and GHG emissions from schools through source separation, reuse and recycling of organic waste. Empower teachers and school directors by providing technical knowledge on waste and particularly on organic waste management: characteristics, treatment techniques, challenges and benefits; Present cases of schools in Sao Paulo that have been successful in managing the organic fraction of their waste; Encourage schools that do not yet take actions to start activities regarding managing waste particularly the organic fraction; Spread waste management education wide across schools in Sao Paulo and eventually in others countries by providing a handbook in a comprehensive approach The target audience of the Handbook is teachers who intend to introduce the topic of recycling organics by means of composting in schools, but also to improve the separation of quality dry recyclables. It provides a general overview about the opportunities and possibilities to teach about composting, practical information about how to sort organic waste in schools and how to manage the composting process with children between 3 and 14 years old. The Handbook is avalaible in English and Portuguese.