Recycling
Newton Public Schools promotes recycling in its classrooms and school buildings. In May 2019, the School Committee approved a policy on recycling.
Recycling Posters for Classrooms and School Buildings
Our partners in the City of Newton have developed student-friendly signage to encourage recycling in our classrooms and buildings. To order trash/recycling/food scrap signs and for other related questions, please visit the City of Newton Recycling Webpage. Or, you can email them directly.
Textile Recycling
Newton Public Schools has a contract with Helpsy, a for-profit B Corp committed to changing the way people think about clothing donations. Helpsy collects unwanted textiles, including shoes, for reuse and recycling. In Newton, using Helpsy bins to collect unwanted textiles helps Newton do the following:
- Comply with the Massachusetts ban on disposal of textiles in the waste stream
- Meet environmental and waste reduction goals
- Generate a modest amount of revenue to support stipended Green Team Leader positions in all schools
For the period July 2022 through December 2024, a total of 824,333 pounds of unwanted textiles have been collected in the bins and diverted from the waste stream. This translates to a total of $90,676.63 in revenue to support sustainability in our schools!
To make donations easy and convenient for Newton residents, Helpsy textile collection bins are located at several school buildings throughout the city. Bin locations were selected in coordination with school principals, the Parks and Recreation department, and the facilities department. The locations were selected to ensure the bins were easy to access, service, and clear, but would not interfere with school operations or block visibility for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. Bin locations may be shifted as needed due to construction or as new locations are identified. Find a bin on the Helpsy website.
To view a list of acceptable items that may be placed in the bins, please visit the Helpsy website.
For questions, please contact Stephanie Gilman at 617-559-9029 or call the Facilities Office at 617-559-9000.
Please see below for answers to Frequently Asked Questions.
Frequently Asked Questions - Textile Recycling
- Why have the bins been placed at schools?
- At which schools are the bins located?
- Can the bins be moved to different locations on the school grounds?
- Are the bins going to be there permanently?
- What items are acceptable for donation?
- Do the donations generate a profit?
- Who do I call if there is a problem with a bin?
- Can we still use the Helpsy curbside textile collection program through DPW?