City Schools

The Waste Reduction team assists schools in developing and maintaining recycling programs and waste reduction strategies.

We offer free resources and support, including...

• Assistance in setting up recycling and food scrap collection at your school
• Support with school Green Teams
• Tours of the Resource Recovery Facility and landfill (ages 8+)
• Classroom presentations and school-wide assemblies
• Compost bins, worm bins, and accessories for school garden programs
• Dori poles and pennants - the no-waste decoration(PDF, 2MB) for events and graduation
• Zero Waste Party Kits for your school or classroom
• Recycling bins, trash bins, and informative and colorful stickers and signs
• Annual Poster Contest to showcase local students' artwork on collection vehicles
• Easy Recycle Guide 2025(PDF, 695KB)

Download this year's Schools Flyer HERE. (PDF, 20MB)

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Annual Poster Contest 

Submissions due by October 2nd, 2026

Enter this year's Santa Cruz Recycles! Poster Contest!

Poster contest participants are asked to create a poster that effectively and clearly highlights the importance of recycling bottles and cans in the City of Santa Cruz! The contest is an opportunity for students to creatively express their understanding of recycling, waste reduction, and litter prevention in our community. In addition to winning some great prizes, the winners will have their artwork enlarged and displayed on the sides of the City refuse and recycling trucks.

To enter, download the attached poster contest application form and submit it by October 2nd. 

Download the application form HERE. (DOCX, 986KB)

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Watch Our “Santa Cruz Recycles” Video

See what happens to your recyclables - from house to cart to truck to sorting to baling and then resale to make new products!

Watch HERE