Case Studies

Schools that Ditched Disposables

We have compiled multiple case studies of K-12 schools that have successfully transitioned to healthier foodware options. Each school faced different challenges, but all were able to find a solution that benefited their students and saved money in the long run. More case studies are coming soon. We invite you to share your stories with us by emailing foodware@ceh.org.

Palo Alto Unified School District (CA) transitioned from single-use foodware to reusables in 12 elementary schools that served breakfast and lunch to upwards of 3,400 students using a centralized kitchen. Annually, Palo Alto Unified School District:

  • Saves $25,000
  • Uses 436,540 fewer disposable items
  • Prevents 8,152 pounds of waste
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Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District (NC) switched their polystyrene foam trays with compostable molded-fiber trays at all 18 of their schools. In the first year, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools:

  • Eliminated 777,000 plastic trays
  • Reduced cafeteria landfill waste by 87%
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Bishop O’Dowd High School (Oakland, CA) has 1,156 students and was able to replace their single-use plates with reusable baskets without a dishwasher. Annually, Bishop O’Dowd:

  • Saves $6,459
  • Uses 100,212 fewer disposable items
  • Prevents 3,376 pounds of waste
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