Solid Waste Outreach Seattle Schools

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has partnered with Seattle Public Schools and private K-12 schools to educate students about Seattle's recycling, composting, and proper disposal since 1990. SPU has continued to work with schools to improve their waste handling systems and process to better divert and prevent waste in their facilities. With this solicitation, we are seeking innovative ideas to reach our recycling and composting, and waste prevention goals as defined in SPU's Strategic Business Plan [LH1] , develop environmentally aware young residents, and reach our Service Equity goal that all Seattle's kids have an equal opportunity to participate, regardless of school resources. The Consultant team, in conjunction with staff from SPU, will develop and implement educational materials and lesson plans for K-12 audiences, as well as provide support for School staff to reduce, prevent, and better sort their waste through onsite support. The expected benefits include students who are informed about waste management and trained to reduce, prevent, and sort their waste in accordance with Seattle's guidelines, outfitting schools to do the same, and be the practice grounds for these behaviors. As a result, students will be able to sort their waste better, understand the impact of waste on the environment, and reduce overall waste produced at schools. Additional outcomes from this contract may include: Schools switch from single use serviceware to reusable/durable products Key staff (i.e., principals, teachers, cafeteria staff, etc.) are active participants in supporting students on various waste reduction efforts Nutrition services have the knowledge, motivation, and equipment to collect food for food rescue partners and develop strategies that maximize their food resources from Central Kitchen to school lunch rooms. Strong applicants will have expertise in solid waste reduction programming, K-12 outreach and education, delivering technical assistance, program development, or related areas. It is anticipated there will be one contract, with a prime and subconsultants if needed. The contract is estimated to be for 3 years for an estimated value of $450,000.