About
The Cal-Waste Recycle Education Program offers classroom experiences, school assemblies, virtual learning, and creative, STEAM-centered activities focused on recycling and environmental topics. Students can take part in Material Recovery Facility tours, a virtual field trip to the Cal-Waste recycling center, and a Virtual Recycle Education program. The program also includes Food/Organic Waste recycling activities for agriculture departments, lessons on the technology of recycling for engineering classes, and information about laws, mandates, and civic responsibility regarding recycling and the environment for government and leadership classes.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
Cal-Waste connects over 130,000 students and their families each year through its Recycle Education Program and supports educational efforts in the communities it serves. The program’s curriculum is designed for prekindergarten through twelfth grade, aligns with grade level Next Generation Science Standards, and includes arts integration. Each program session includes a chapter summary, objectives, an outline of concepts and skills, a list of materials provided, a lesson procedure, and supplemental activities, and teachers contributed ideas and tested lessons in classrooms and afterschool workshops during development. The program focuses on student enrichment in environmental science and community citizenship.
The program’s vision is to develop the next generation of environmentally aware and responsible citizens to support a sustainable future where environmental choices influence the success of individuals, schools, and businesses within local communities. Cal-Waste received the 2021 Sacramento Area Sustainable Business of the Year Award for Pollution Prevention, and in 2016 it received a platinum rating in over six environmentally sustainable categories along with the Sacramento Area Sustainable Business of the Year Award. Cal-Waste moved its headquarters to Galt and opened its Material Recovery Facility, which includes an observation room and education center open for scheduled tours for community members of all ages, in 2013.
Teachers and school staff have shared feedback about the Cal-Waste Recycle Education Program, including comments about virtual lessons, videos, and field trips. For example, staff from Greer Elementary, River Oaks School, Valley Oaks Elementary, Lake Canyon School, Liberty Ranch High School, and Galt schools have described the lessons, activities, and support provided through the Recycle Education Program and Food Waste Recycle Team, and have noted student engagement and interest in topics such as plastic bag dangers and making a positive impact for the planet.
Last updated July 9, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
Cal-Waste connects over 130,000 students and their families each year through its Recycle Education Program and supports educational efforts in the communities it serves. The program’s curriculum is designed for prekindergarten through twelfth grade, aligns with grade level Next Generation Science Standards, and includes arts integration. Each program session includes a chapter summary, objectives, an outline of concepts and skills, a list of materials provided, a lesson procedure, and supplemental activities, and teachers contributed ideas and tested lessons in classrooms and afterschool workshops during development. The program focuses on student enrichment in environmental science and community citizenship.
The program’s vision is to develop the next generation of environmentally aware and responsible citizens to support a sustainable future where environmental choices influence the success of individuals, schools, and businesses within local communities. Cal-Waste received the 2021 Sacramento Area Sustainable Business of the Year Award for Pollution Prevention, and in 2016 it received a platinum rating in over six environmentally sustainable categories along with the Sacramento Area Sustainable Business of the Year Award. Cal-Waste moved its headquarters to Galt and opened its Material Recovery Facility, which includes an observation room and education center open for scheduled tours for community members of all ages, in 2013.
Teachers and school staff have shared feedback about the Cal-Waste Recycle Education Program, including comments about virtual lessons, videos, and field trips. For example, staff from Greer Elementary, River Oaks School, Valley Oaks Elementary, Lake Canyon School, Liberty Ranch High School, and Galt schools have described the lessons, activities, and support provided through the Recycle Education Program and Food Waste Recycle Team, and have noted student engagement and interest in topics such as plastic bag dangers and making a positive impact for the planet.
Last updated July 9, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.