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On a normal school day, the amount of trash collected during lunches at Gates and Central Elementary buildings filled anywhere from 16 to 20-plus bags from each school. These days, it takes two to four bags to collect the lunchroom trash at each building.

What's different? Both schools have begun composting programs.

"By collecting four 64-gallon bins of compostable material each week — at approximately 275 lbs. per bin — we divert 1,100 lbs. of waste per week per building, totaling 48,400 lbs. (24.2 tons) annually," computed James Emmerling, the district's Science and Health Coordinator. "This effort has a measurable environmental impact: by keeping organic material out of landfills, we prevent an estimated 44,528 lbs. of CO₂e from entering the atmosphere each year. In doing so, students do more than understand sustainability—they contribute directly to climate mitigation."

Mr. Emmerling explained that as school officials searched for compost to support school gardens, they learned that Country Oaks Landscape Supply in Burton had been processing food waste from Royal Oak Schools and producing a high-quality compost product.

"Their model returned the finished compost to schools in bags at cost, which schools may then sell to the community," Emmerling said. "Revenue can be used for fundraising or to offset program expenses."

The plan is to have compost produced by the waste collected from Central and Gates available for school gardens and sale to the community this spring.

Emmerling said the decision to pilot the program at Gates Elementary and Central Elementary was prompted by strong leadership from Superintendent Matt Lobban, building principals Natalie Miller and Melissa Williams and the Food Services Director Jen Lutze. To better understand the process, Emmerling, along with Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Williams, visited Keller Elementary in Royal Oak to see the composting system in action. While the Burton-based Country Oaks has since sold the program to My Green Michigan, which now leads organics recycling efforts across southern Michigan, the process for schools remains the same.

The initiative transforms cafeteria waste from a liability into a teachable, student-centered solution.

"Using a project-based learning approach, we emphasize that student ideas and actions can meaningfully impact the environment," Emmerling said.

The project launched with a video from each building principal (Central, Gates) explaining how much cafeteria waste is generated daily and asking students for their ideas on how to reduce it. Teachers used this prompt to facilitate classroom discussions about sustainability, resource use and environmental responsibility. Students generated numerous thoughtful ideas, which were shared directly with the principals.

A follow-up video soon announced that several student ideas would be put into action (Central). These included composting food scraps, establishing a “share bin” for unopened items, and piloting compostable or reusable trays and utensils.

"By seeing their suggestions implemented, students experienced firsthand the power of inquiry, collaboration and civic action—core components of meaningful project-based learning," Emmerling said. "In this way, the project not only reduces waste and greenhouse gas emissions, but also empowers students to understand that they can think critically, solve real-world problems, and leave a positive impact on their school and community."

Composting at both schools is thriving.

"Thanks to parent volunteers and staff, our students are now composting their lunch scraps at two stations," said Gates Elementary Principal Mrs. Natalie Miller. "The kids have quickly mastered the routine — pouring out milk or juice, tossing non-compostables, putting food waste in the compost bin, and neatly stacking trays. Their enthusiasm has grown so much that some are even helping run the compost stations."

Mrs. Miller said an unexpected bonus of the composting was the creation of a "share bin." Students with uneaten sealed items (like fruit or milk) can place them in the bin. Students are welcome to grab extras during lunch — and whatever’s left is saved and offered after school for snacks.

"This keeps waste low and supports resource sharing across our community," Mrs. Miller said.

Central Elementary Principal Mrs. Melissa Williams said students are thrilled to be doing something positive for the environment.

"I had a 4th-grade student ask why we hadn't started this sooner, like when she was in first grade," Mrs. Williams said. "I told her that even adults are always learning new things, including ways to help our community and the environment."

Central has also received new stainless steel trays through a grant, replacing the use of Styrofoam; and students are now using washable, stainless steel trays.

Both schools continue to seek volunteers to assist with the composting program.

"Since we use two spaces for our lunches, having an extra adult or two really helps with sorting compostables vs. garbage," Mrs. Williams said.

Pictured, Gates Elementary parent Jenni Doolan is known as the "composting queen" as she has volunteered her time almost every day since the program started. "Her dedication to this program is amazing and has been vital to the success we have had so far," said Mrs. Miller.