Goshen, N.Y. - Orange County is seeking public and private schools interested in participating in a pilot program to take place in the 2018-2019 school year.  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 led 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.  A final report for the 2017-18 school year can be found on http://www.orangecountygov.com/efs. For more information on how to join, please call (845) 291-3246 or email Ermin Siljkovic at esiljkovic@orangecountygov.com.
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