{"id":4166,"date":"2026-01-30T14:01:43","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T14:01:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/?page_id=4166"},"modified":"2026-01-30T14:01:43","modified_gmt":"2026-01-30T14:01:43","slug":"principal-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/?page_id=4166","title":{"rendered":"Principal Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Principals and school administration play a critical role in the success of school recycling programs because your leadership sets the tone for the entire school community. When principals and administration actively support and prioritize recycling, it signals to staff, students, and families that sustainability is an educational priority. Your influence helps align recycling efforts across custodial teams, teaching staff, and administrators, ensuring that recycling systems are implemented effectively and consistently. You also have the authority to allocate resources, establish policies, and build partnerships with the district or local haulers. By prioritizing proper recycling, principals and administrators not only help schools meet legal requirements, but they also promote environmental responsibility and leadership in the next generation. For additional information please see our <a href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/drive\/folders\/1xn-OtUQe3nu6D5xmqqFhu-tKoPNoqUg2?usp=drive_link\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/drive\/folders\/1xn-OtUQe3nu6D5xmqqFhu-tKoPNoqUg2?usp=drive_link\">School Recycling Toolkit on Google Drive<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-89e86c9\" data-block-id=\"89e86c9\"><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-image stk-block-image stk-block stk-e95edd8\" data-block-id=\"e95edd8\"><style>.stk-e95edd8 .stk-img-wrapper{width:400px !important;height:360px !important;}@media screen and (max-width:689px){.stk-e95edd8 .stk-img-wrapper{width:100% !important;height:270px !important;}}<\/style><figure><span class=\"stk-img-wrapper stk-image--shape-stretch\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"stk-img wp-image-4167\" src=\"https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-23-115443.png\" width=\"706\" height=\"636\" srcset=\"https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-23-115443.png 706w, https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-23-115443-300x270.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 706px) 100vw, 706px\" \/><\/span><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-6784298\" data-block-id=\"6784298\"><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-323c0c3\" id=\"state-laws\" data-block-id=\"323c0c3\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-align-center\">State Laws<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\">Schools are institutions under these laws, so these mandates apply to them directly. This means they must source separate their recycling, comply with e\u2011waste rules, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-2aacef1 stk-block-background\" data-block-id=\"2aacef1\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dep.nj.gov\/dshw\/rhwm\/recy-act\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act &#8211; NJ law (13:1E\u20111 et seq)<\/strong><\/a> \nRequires all New Jersey counties to develop solid waste management plans, which include recycling plans. The law mandates that at least three designated recyclable materials, plus leaves, must be separated from the municipal solid waste stream. The exact list of mandated materials varies by county and sometimes by municipality.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-11991de stk-block-background\" data-block-id=\"11991de\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/dep.nj.gov\/dshw\/rhwm\/e-waste\/e-cycle-leg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Electronics Waste Management Act- NJ law (13:1E-99.94 et seq.)<\/strong><\/a>\nMandates the establishment of a free recycling program for computers, monitors, laptops, portable computers televisions, desktop printers and fax machines. These programs are required to be established and funded by all the manufacturers that produce this equipment for residents, schools, institutions and businesses with under 50 employees. Computers, monitors, laptops, portable computers, printers and fax machines and televisions are banned from being disposed of in the garbage.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-ff5f76b stk-block-background\" data-block-id=\"ff5f76b\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pub.njleg.state.nj.us\/Bills\/2022\/PL23\/193_.HTM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Food Waste Guidelines<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/pub.njleg.state.nj.us\/Bills\/2022\/PL23\/193_.HTM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/pub.njleg.state.nj.us\/Bills\/2022\/PL23\/193_.HTM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&#8211; NJ law (13:1E\u201199.115)<\/a><\/strong>\nRequires the DEP, in consultation with the Departments of Education, Health, etc., to establish voluntary guidelines for schools and higher\u2011ed institutions to reduce, recover, and recycle food waste. These are voluntary, not yet mandated, but indicate upcoming policy direction. Read more about this law here!<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-69efbe5\" data-block-id=\"69efbe5\"><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-688df69\" id=\"setting-up-recycling-services\" data-block-id=\"688df69\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-align-center\">Setting Up Recycling Services<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-5a19a56 stk-block-background\" data-block-id=\"5a19a56\"><p class=\"stk-block-text__text\">Setting up recycling services is a critical first step in building a successful school recycling program. Commonly, the school business administrator\u2019s role is to coordinate with the district\u2019s facilities team and work with the school\u2019s waste hauler to ensure services comply with local and state requirements. Begin this process by confirming which materials must be recycled in your area and whether your current hauler accepts them. If not, consider revising your contract or exploring alternative providers. Request precise details about pickup schedules, accepted materials, contamination policies, and reporting options. Be cautious if a hauler accepts only a limited set of items, as this may not meet regulatory standards. A well-structured recycling agreement helps your school divert waste from landfills and avoid fines or rejected pickups.<br><br>Before expanding or improving your recycling program, take time to understand what\u2019s already in place. Review existing waste and recycling services, the materials collected, and whether all mandated items are included, both county and municipal. If you\u2019re unsure, contact your hauler or district facilities coordinator for a copy of your service agreement. <br><br>Once you\u2019ve assessed your current practices, collaborate with your hauler to ensure your recycling system meets all local requirements. Confirm exactly which materials they collect and whether they operate single-stream (all recyclables together) or dual-stream (sorted by type). Ask about bin sizes, pickup frequency, contamination policies, pricing, and whether they provide educational materials or recycling reports. Ensure their services include all required materials. If not, revisit your contract or explore other options. <br><br>Consider whether partnering through a shared services agreement could be a cost-effective option. Under the Local Public and Public School Contracts Law, boards of education are classified as local units. They may enter into contracts with other local entities, such as the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority or a municipality, to provide or receive services, such as recycling and solid waste collection. These agreements are exempt from public bidding requirements and may extend for up to five years, offering both financial and administrative efficiencies. Before proceeding, boards of education should consult their legal counsel to determine if a shared services agreement is the best fit for their school\u2019s needs.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-divider stk-block-divider stk-block stk-fe068a7\" data-block-id=\"fe068a7\"><hr class=\"stk-block-divider__hr\"\/><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-e5bd4cb\" id=\"recycling-checklist\" data-block-id=\"e5bd4cb\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text has-text-align-center\">Recycling Checklist<\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-257270c\" data-block-id=\"257270c\"><style>.stk-257270c {border-top-left-radius:59px !important;border-top-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:59px !important;overflow:hidden !important;border-style:solid !important;max-width:500px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-center\">Understand your local recycling laws<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-1a06238\" data-block-id=\"1a06238\"><style>.stk-1a06238 {border-top-left-radius:59px !important;border-top-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:59px !important;overflow:hidden !important;border-style:solid !important;max-width:500px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-center\">Review your recycling service agreement<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-2fe75ec\" data-block-id=\"2fe75ec\"><style>.stk-2fe75ec {border-top-left-radius:59px !important;border-top-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:59px !important;overflow:hidden !important;border-style:solid !important;max-width:500px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-center\">Ensure your hauler complies with local recycling laws<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-390d1fe\" data-block-id=\"390d1fe\"><style>.stk-390d1fe {border-top-left-radius:59px !important;border-top-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:59px !important;overflow:hidden !important;border-style:solid !important;max-width:500px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-center\">Learn what recyclables your hauler accepts<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-8269c7b\" data-block-id=\"8269c7b\"><style>.stk-8269c7b {border-top-left-radius:59px !important;border-top-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:59px !important;overflow:hidden !important;border-style:solid !important;max-width:500px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-center\">Learn if your hauler collects single-stream or dual-stream<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-fbebbd1\" data-block-id=\"fbebbd1\"><style>.stk-fbebbd1 {border-top-left-radius:59px !important;border-top-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:59px !important;overflow:hidden !important;border-style:solid !important;max-width:500px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-center\">Create recycling protocol based on what your hauler collects<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-c5fad7c\" data-block-id=\"c5fad7c\"><style>.stk-c5fad7c {border-top-left-radius:59px !important;border-top-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:59px !important;overflow:hidden !important;border-style:solid !important;max-width:500px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-center\">Ensure recycling protocol is shared with both students &amp; staff<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-text stk-block-text stk-block stk-588065f\" data-block-id=\"588065f\"><style>.stk-588065f {border-top-left-radius:59px !important;border-top-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-right-radius:59px !important;border-bottom-left-radius:59px !important;overflow:hidden !important;border-style:solid !important;max-width:500px !important;min-width:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-left:auto !important;}<\/style><p class=\"stk-block-text__text has-text-align-center\">Ask if your hauler provides signage\/educational resources<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Principals and school administration play a critical role in the success of school recycling programs because your leadership sets the tone for the entire school community. When principals and administration actively support and prioritize recycling, it signals to staff, students, and families that sustainability is an educational priority. Your influence helps align recycling efforts across [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4166","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4166","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4166"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4166\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4186,"href":"https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4166\/revisions\/4186"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/news.mcmua.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4166"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}