In 2014, the District sponsored a two year school recycling program facilitated by the Discovery Science Center that was offered to the Garden Grove Unified School District (School District). This program involve a classroom lecture, take home activities and a visit to an interactive exhibit at the Discovery Science Center for sixth grade students. The intent of the program was to provide education on sustainable living practices, including source reduction, proper disposal of hazardous materials and recycling for the purpose of protecting impacted local landfills. By the second year of the program, participation levels nearly tripled.  Other surrounding cities that are participating and funding this program include Brea, Buena Park, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, Costa Mesa, Cypress, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, La Habra, Orange, Santa Ana, Seal Beach and Irvine. 

To help meet the State’s goal of achieving 75 percent waste diversion statewide by 2020, public education is a critical component for the City to be able to reach long term sustainability. This program has proven to be effective based on the growing participation levels from the School District and it is referenced in the State’s mandated annual reporting system under the City’s public outreach efforts. In order to continue this program, a new agreement is needed and would expand to reach fifth grade students. The costs for another two year term will be the same as the former agreement in an amount not to exceed $52,190. 

This program will be financed through the District’s Refuse Fund (660) in the amount of $26,095 per each fiscal year in 2016/17 and 2017/18, for a total of $52,190 over the two-year term agreement.  

It is recommended that the Garden Grove Sanitary District Board:

• Approve the attached agreement with the Discovery Science Center in the amount of $26,095 per year for two years for a school outreach program on waste and recycling; and

• Authorize the General Manager to execute the agreement on behalf of the District, and make minor modifications as appropriate thereto.