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Earth Day Marks Beginning of DGS Citywide Composting Pilot Program in DC Schools

Friday, April 20, 2012
In support of the Healthy Schools Act of 2010, DGS will commence test pilot program in area schools.

Media Contacts

(Washington DC)  The Department of General Services (DGS) announced today that it will begin a pilot composting program later this month in a handful of selected schools in the District. The pilot program will analyze the entire scope of waste management including the total waste stream, collection challenges, education and long term costs of implementing a sustainable composting program. The pilot program will roll out in schools across the city in every Ward, with the initial effort focused mostly on the instructional component and the establishment of model on-site composting programs.

The DGS Sustainability and Energy Division is working with Healthy Schools Act partners to train staff, students and volunteers on urban composting techniques. “The Healthy Schools Act of 2010 is terrific legislation that has been the impetus for fundamental changes in how we think about building and operating our schools,” said DGS Acting Director Brian Hanlon. “This pilot program is the first step in a holistic platform that our Agency is looking to grow as a part of the Mayor’s Sustainable DC effort.”

The Department of General Services:

The mission of the Department of General Services is to effectively manage the Government of the District of Columbia’s real estate portfolio and optimize its assets. By building and maintaining safe and green state-of-the-art facilities which foster economic growth and ensure educational equality, the Department of General Services will create modern and vibrant communities across all of the District of Columbia.

Healthy Schools Act:

In May 2010, the Council of the District of Columbia unanimously passed the Healthy Schools Act of 2010, which was then signed into law by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty.  Introduced by Councilmember Mary M. Cheh and Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray, the Healthy Schools Act will substantially improve the health, wellness, and nutrition of the public and charter school students in the District of Columbia. The Healthy Schools Act of 2010 proposed changes to the District of Columbia’s Public Schools (DCPS) food service and nutrition programs, physical education activities, health and wellness programs and services, and their environmental compliance programs.