Publication Summary

Organic Waste to Resources Research and Pilot Project Report. In 2007 Brian Teppner, a fifth grade teacher at Sierra Heights Elementary in Renton, WA, developed a plan to make the school more environmentally friendly. The project began with a connection to the King County "Green School" project. As part of the process of becoming a "green" school, staff and administration needed to select areas of emphasis. The most significant area of interest for the school was an interest in the reduction of food waste. This led Brian to a Washington Department of Ecology grant focused on the reduction of biomass entering the landfills. This grant would fund the development of a Vermicomposting Bin and enough worms to effectively reduce the amount of food scraps leaving the building. Applying for this grant involved an extensive district procedure involving the approval of both the physical property and the supplement to the Renton School District Curriculum.

The Washington State Department of Ecology provided funding for this project through the Beyond Waste Organics Waste to Resources (OWR) project. These funds were provided in the 2007-2009 Washington State budget from the Waste Reduction Recycling and Litter Control Account. OWR project goals and objectives were developed by the Beyond Waste Organics team, and were approved by the Solid Waste and Financial Assistance Program. Funding was from the Waste Reduction Recycling and Litter Control Account. OWR project goals and objectives were developed by the Beyond Waste Organics team, and were approved by the Solid Waste and Financial Assistance Program.