CVSan has award-winning Schools Programs! CVSan received an award for Outstanding School Recycling Program (which includes the 4Rs and Zero Waste) at the California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) Annual Conference in September 2022. “CVSan is honored to have been selected for this award”, said CVSan General Manager, Roland Williams. CVSan’s Schools Programs are powered by partnerships and a commitment towards a more sustainable Castro Valley, built over the past two decades between schools and CVSan.
CVSan’s Schools Programs are differentiated by the ongoing active participation of public and private school administration, educators, custodians, and families. Working together, CVSan has helped schools decrease garbage by over 60% since 2005. “Our Schools Programs are a win-win for the community and CVSan’s goal of zero waste”, said CVSan Zero Waste Supervisor, Naomi Lue.
Schools continue to be committed to reducing waste and remain on the path to zero waste. Castro Valley Sanitary District (CVSan) is proud to partner with schools and offers the following programs:
Green Ribbon Schools Program
Each year, CVSan offers the Green Ribbon Schools Program (Green Ribbon) to help schools reduce waste and get certified and awarded for doing so. 
4Rs Field Trips
The 4Rs Field Trip is a Green Ribbon requirement for all third-grade classes.
Custodian Recognition
CVSan appreciates all the work custodians do to help our schools practice the 4Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot. 
Donation & Supply Requests
CVSan can provide schools with recycling and organics containers, custom signs, mulch and compost, and other supplies to help reduce waste. Simply submit a Donation and Supply Request Form for supplies and collection services needed.
e-Blast Newsletters
CVSan emails a Schools Program e-newsletter monthly with articles, resources for teachers, and reminders. We encourage school staff and Green Ribbon contacts to sign up.
Refresher Presentations
Check out CVSan’s fun Refresher Presentation video on how to sort and reduce waste at school. There is a customized video for students up to grade two, and another for older students. Share the Refresher Presentation videos with students and families so they can revisit the 4Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot. If you are interested in signing your school up for a Refresher Assembly, please email jordan@cvsan.org.
Student Scholarship
The Environmental Leader Scholarship Application is for high school seniors who have helped their school or the community by participating in activities which support the 4Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot.
If you have any questions or need any assistance with any CVSan school programs, please contact Zero Waste Specialist II, Jordan Figueiredo at jordan@cvsan.org or at (510) 756-3555.
Additional Resources:School Diversion Rates as of March 2023
| School | March 2023 Diversion |
| Canyon Middle | 93% |
| Castro Valley Adult | 91% |
| Castro Valley Elementary | 92% |
| Castro Valley High | 95% |
| Chabot Elementary | 89% |
| Creekside Middle | 92% |
| Independent Elementary | 92% |
| Jensen Ranch Elementary | 92% |
| Marshall Elementary | 93% |
| One School Global | 86% |
| Our Lady of Grace | 86% |
| Palomares Elementary | 91% |
| Proctor Elementary | 85% |
| Redwood Alternative High School | 94% |
| Redwood Christian | 25% |
| Stanton Elementary | 91% |
| Vannoy Elementary | 92% |
| Average Diversion Rate: | 85% |
The Document Center provides easy access to public documents. Click on one of the categories below to see related documents or use the search function.
(510) 537-0757