More information coming soon about Green activities
for the 2026-27 school year!
See below for information about Green programs and events
Zero Waste Schools
GPS lunchrooms and cafeterias present a unique opportunity for focused waste reduction and improved recycling. In 2019, GPS, together with Waste Free Greenwich and PTAC Green Schools, implemented a waste reduction program in our elementary and middle school cafeterias. The program featured updated bilingual signage and color-coded bins for sorting, including collection toters for liquids, recycling and trash, and a tray stacking area. In 2023, the program was extended to include Food Scrap reduction and recycling. Share tables and refrigerators were introduced, some schools started food donations and green toters were introduced to participating schools. As of Jan 2025, food scrap collection was operating in seven GPS elementary schools, resulting in diversion rates jumping from 45% to 75% by weight on average. Learn more about the Zero Waste Schools program and other district level green endeavors through GPS’ Sustainability page.
Recycling Refresh in the Cafeteria
To promote proper sorting of lunch waste in the cafeteria, students are shown the Zero Waste Schools Video (without food scrap collection). Shared across GPS, this professional video teaches proper sorting (i.e., separating recycling, trash and liquids) while reminding students of the importance of managing their waste.
National Walk, Bike & Roll Day
Along with other GPS Schools, on October 7, 2026 students are encouraged to bike, walk or roll to school (weather permitting) to show their support for making green and healthy choices. See www.walkbiketoschool.org for more information.
National Recycling Day
National Recycling Day, also known as America Recycles Day, happens every year on November 15th. In honor of this event, EMS students, staff and families are encouraged to participate in the many recycling drives offered in Greenwich. To learn more about specific opportunities, click below.
Textile Recycling: Greenwich residents can recycle unwanted clothing and textiles for free through a partnership between the Greenwich Recycling Advisory Board (GRAB), Waste Free Greenwich, and Helpsy. You can schedule a free home collection through Helpsy Home Pickup, call 800-244-6350, or email info@helpsy.co. Place accepted items (see website) in closed plastic bags outside your door by the morning of your pickup.
Food Scrap Recycling with 24/7 Smart Bins: Smart Bins for the Scraps to Soil Food Scrap Recycling Program launched in July 2026 at Binney Park and Cos Cob Park through collaboration between the Town of Greenwich Conservation Commission and Waste Free Greenwich. These app-accessed, secure smart bins are available 24/7, making participation in the free municipal program easy and convenient for all Greenwich residents. Details about the program, how to download the app, where to access the bins, and accepted items are available on the Scraps to Soil webpage.
Plastic Film Recycling: Plastic bags, wrap and film are not accepted in the Town of Greenwich’s single stream collection (i.e., blue bins) as these materials can become entangled in the recycling equipment. Special recycling programs exist to recycle plastic film though, including TREX and WRAP, which are located at most grocery stores. Read here for a detailed list of accepted items and recycling locations.
Anti-Idle Campaign
Anti – Idling - The school encourages parents to be mindful and not to leave cars running while waiting in the pickup line. The state has an Anti-Idling law, and parents need to remember this at drop-off and pick-up. Anti-Idling - Compliance, and Enforcement (ct.gov)
Waste Free Greenwich
Waste Free Greenwich, a partner of PTAC Green Schools, is a grassroots organization that aims to engage, educate and empower the Greenwich community to waste less through prevention, recycling, and diversion. Their initiatives promote awareness of the 6Rs - refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle, and rot.
Please contact president@emspta.org with any questions.
Upcoming Dates
- Monday, September 21
- Wednesday, September 23
- Friday, September 25
- Monday, September 28
- Friday, October 16
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