Green Star Schools Program

The Orange County Green Star Schools Program (OCGSSP) assists Orange County schools in recognizing their individual needs and capacity in operating successful solid waste and recycling programs. Through the lens of comprehensive materials management, OCGSSP helps schools address the minimization of solid waste from materials procurement to disposal.

OCGSSP supports incremental, realistic actions toward the goals of increased waste diversion through innovative recycling programs and enhanced student learning through hands-on, environmental education opportunities. OCGSSP is a program organized by Orange County DPW, Division of Environmental Facilities & Services in partnership with Sustainable Warwick, along with technical assistance provided by the Syracuse University Center for Sustainable Community Solutions.

In 2017-18, the inaugural year of the program, twelve county schools participated and achieved successes in diverse aspects of waste prevention and recycling.  In 2018-2019 the program grew to include eighteen schools total.  Annual reports for both 2018-2019 and the 2017-2018 school years can be found below.  Unfortunately, OCGSSP had to abruptly conclude activities in the middle of 2019-2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This hiatus will continue through the end of 2020-2021, however, inquiries are always welcome.  For more information on how to join, please call (845) 291-3246 or email Ermin Siljkovic at esiljkovic@orangecountygov.com. 

Five Stars for Orange's Green Star Schools Program THR (PDF)