Implement a Waste Sorting Program in
your School
Title: 3-2-1 You’re Done!
Case Study
Minnetonka Middle School West is located in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities metro area. There are
approximately 1000 students, grades 6 – 8, and 350 staff members. Students and staff at the middle school were
not successful in sorting their lunch waste. For approximately 10 years, the Minnetonka School district has
contracted with the city of Minneapolis to compost their organic waste. More recently, Allied Waste has won the
contract for single sort recycling within the district. Therefore, with these tools in place, organic collection and
hauling and single sort recycling, the lunchroom was an ideal opportunity to set up a sorting station that would
allow students and staff to be successful to sort their lunch waste.
Summer, 2010. A parent, principal, and head custodian met to discuss what would work in the lunchroom to
create a sorting station that would not require any additional expenditure. The goal was to implement the new
sorting system on the first day of the school year, 2010-2011. An important element to the success of the sorting
program is the consideration of the developmental stages of the middle/jr. high school age student. The student
at this age needs a time during the day to turn their brain to socializing. This time is lunch. There is not a lot of
room for critical thinking. The process of entering the lunchroom is a series of lines, depending on what you are
eating. This does not require a lot of thinking. So, we developed a program for students exiting the lunchroom to
mimic the minimal process of entering. We implemented a system where they had little to think about – they
didn’t have to worry about where to throw each item. It was very simple, 3 is trash (landfill), 2 is recyclables (milk
bottles, pop/juice cans, plastic cups/fruit packs), and 1 is the compostables (milk cartons, food waste, napkins,
paper bags, paper food boats). Examples of what items go where were hung at the bottom of the posters.
Trial 3-2-1 system using containers
owned by the school. No expenses were
incurred to set up this preliminary
system.
2012 3-2-1 You’re Done! Campaign
1
Throughout the 2010 - 2011 school year, we observed that much of the #3 – trash, consisted of plastic silverware
and Styrofoam containers. It was also proven that the rate of captured compostables and recyclables increased
dramatically. The students went from 0% sorting to about 93% improvement in capturing recyclables and
successfully sorting their compostables.
Therefore, it was decided that we would implement a permanent sorting system and reusable flatware and food
containers. With the successful sorting system in place, the rate of loss was perceived as being low.
The school district applied for a grant through the MN Pollution Control Agency, and received funds to purchase an
upgraded sorting station, reusable flatware, portion bowls and dishwasher baskets.
Final sorting table made by Murphy Construction
2012 3-2-1 You’re Done! Campaign
2
2011 – 2012 school year the permanent sorting system was launched.
Timeline of launch:
3-2-1 You’re Done!
Fall, 2011 Lunchroom Sort Launch
MMW and MME
August 22
 Murphy Construction delivers sorting tables to MMW and MME
 Jane Bender delivers silverware and bowls to MMW and MME
 Heidi Kluzak delivers aprons and signs to MMW and MME
August 25 and 30

Back to school nights MMW and MME: sorting stations are set up in lunchroom, Tonka
Green (wear Tonka Green Apron) volunteer present to answer questions
September 6 – First day of school

Principals at MMW and MME give direction and data info at the beginning of each lunch
period to students
 Tonka Green volunteers are present to help students (Sept 6 – 14) during each lunch period
at MMW and MME
3 – Trash
2 – Recycling
1 – Compostable (NOT ORGANICS)
Follow up
2012 3-2-1 You’re Done! Campaign
3
Periodic check ins are always a good idea. Communicate with the school custodians, principals, students and staff
to make sure program is still successful. Putting school leaders in front of the sorting system to remind people of
the protocol of the program is a great way to ensure success.
This fall, 2012, Minnetonka Middle School West is making the change to recycling milk cartons. This will increase
the need for larger recycling bins or more frequent emptying of the bins during the lunch periods. Remaining
flexible to the ever changing world of recycling is necessary to achieve successful rates of capture. Continually
reinforcing the efforts made by staff, students and visitors is a great idea – this can be done by surveys,
educational campaigns and basic rewards that are appropriate for your students and staff.
2012 3-2-1 You’re Done! Campaign
4