Conservation Initiatives
Nutrition Services is committed to implementing sustainability initiatives throughout our meal service operation. Through a partnership with the City of Bellevue and a Washington State Department of Ecology grant, the following initiatives have occurred.
Durable (Plastic) Trays
All 16 of our elementary schools and 5 middle schools use durable plastic trays.
Compostable Trays
All 4 of our high schools and 2 choice secondary schools (Big Picture and International) use compostable paper trays.
Reusable Silverware, No Plastic Straws
All 16 of our elementary schools use reusable silverware instead of plastic “spork kits”. The elimination of spork kits additionally moved us away from plastic straws.
Compostable Silverware
All middle, high and choice secondary schools in the district use compostable utensils instead of individually wrapped plastic utensils.
Compostable Napkins
All schools in the district utilize compostable, recycle content napkins during meal services.
Recycling & Foodcycling
Compost, recycle and garbage stations are located in the dining room in all schools. Watch this fun video showcasing the recycle and food cycle program.
Food Share
Food Share is a program that prevents and minimizes food waste in school cafeterias by redirecting these valuable resources (unopened or packaged foods) to community food banks. Our local Food Share program supports HopeLink.
Waste Reduction Results
BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT: 2023
More than 1.3 million plastic straws and 1.3 million plastic utensils are kept out of the landfill each year! That's about 6 tons of plastic waste each year. The same weight as as one orca whale.
Student quotes about why they like the reusable utensils at school:
- "Helps to save our Earth"
- "Just like home"
- "They do not break"
- "Reduces pollution"
THANK YOU to the amazing Bellevue School District staff that have made waste prevention a huge success including: Nutrition Services staff, Custodial staff, Office staff, Administrative teams, Green Genius teams and teachers.
KUDOS to Bellevue’s students!
Download the 2023 Bellevue School District Waste Reduction Update Infographic (PDF)