School & University Waste And Recycling Services

The team at Rumpke Waste & Recycling knows how important it is to keep schools and universities clean and sanitary. That’s why we offer commercial trash pickup and recycling services to keep education centers of all sizes looking their best.

Our waste management services are always customized to fit the size of the facility and the needs of its community. We work hard to simplify solid waste removal. We also look to teachers and students to take on stewardship roles to sort recyclable materials from solid waste in the classrooms. Together, we can teach about sustainability while practicing waste reduction to make a real difference in our communities.

Managing Waste at a School or On Campus

Keeping up with waste in schools is important for public health. We’re committed to helping with the influx of food waste produced in the cafeteria and paper waste created in the classrooms. Many K–12 schools already educate on natural resources and waste streams, teaching zero waste concepts from a young age. At Rumpke, we continue to support our schools and encourage change for a better environment. 

We offer many types of containers so that it’s easier to implement school recycling programs. We also offer various dumpster sizes to suit all custodial needs and other waste management scenarios.

Our goal is always to help school districts find easy and budget-friendly solutions for their waste, which is why we offer customizable waste collection solutions to suit school campuses across Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Indiana.

Tips and Best Practices for Reducing School Waste

Schools, campuses, camps, and other education programs can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills:

  • Print double-sided copies to reduce paper usage
  • Transition to email or apps as alternatives to printed mail
  • Save and reuse envelopes for interoffice communications. When you do need envelopes, stock only recyclable envelopes with no cellophane. 
  • Reuse paper clips, rubber bands and other fasteners. Many of these items can get more than one use to cut down on waste and office supply costs.
  • Invest in reusable utensils and dishes in the cafeteria
  • Encourage families to use reusable lunch boxes and water bottles
  • Set up composting bins to collect food scraps. It’s environmental education at its finest, and the perfect excuse to plant a garden at the school!
  • Buy cleaners in bulk, and choose products with recyclable containers

FAQs - Waste Management for Schools 

What common school materials can be recycled?

Paper waste and plastic are both common in schools. Each classroom can receive its own recycling container to make it easier for teachers and students to participate in recycling programs.

What is the cost of education facility trash and recycling services?

Pricing for schools and other education facilities can vary by the student body size. Discounts may be available for larger contracts with multiple buildings across a school district. The knowledgeable teams at Rumpke work hard to make sure waste management programs are priced competitively so that schools can count on Rumpke’s reliable service all year long.

How much does the average school spend on trash and recycling services each year?

Cleanliness in schools is important, and it’s even more important to partner with a trusted waste and recycling company that can keep your facilities free of trash. We know that schools and districts frequently bid on their waste collection contracts. Get in touch with Rumpke next time you need to explore costs and options, and we’ll create a competitively-priced waste and recycling service plan based on your needs.

What size container is right for my school building or campus?

Different schools have different needs. At Rumpke, we work hard to match individual campuses with the right type of waste disposal containers. Many schools use:

  • 65- and 96-gallon wheeled carts to handle smaller volumes of both trash and recyclables in classrooms
  • 2 to 8 cubic yard waste containers for extra disposal space in cafeterias
  • Commercial trash dumpsters and roll-off containers around loading docks or at secondary entrances where supplies are commonly delivered

Where on campus should we keep our dumpsters?

We recommend keeping dumpsters nearby loading docks or close to any entrances used by food service deliveries. The team at Rumpke will always consider the needs of the school and make sure that the placement of your dumpster is convenient for both the pick-up crews and your custodians.

How often will my dumpster be emptied?

Dumpsters can be emptied weekly, or more frequently based on the size of the dumpster and the materials discarded throughout the week. Food waste is best managed before food begins to spoil or attract rodents. To scope total volume, it might help to understand acceptable items for recycling vs. solid waste. We’re dedicated to helping you keep your educational institution clean and well-maintained.

Let Rumpke Manage School Waste and Trash Removal

At Rumpke, we’re committed to the environment and community image. When you contact our team, we’ll start with a comprehensive audit so we can assess your needs and establish ways your educational facility can cut down on waste.

Rumpke operates in a four-state service region of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and West Virginia. We also partner with other independent trash companies to ensure we have waste management solutions available to suit your school’s trash and recycling needs.

To learn more about our waste removal and recycling solutions for schools, fill out our service request form today.