Sustainability Efforts

Frisco ISD schools recycle all paper and cardboard, and much more! Students lead our recycling programs under the supervision of a lead teacher on each campus. 

Campus-Based Efforts 

Recycling

Students on each campus organize campus-based recycling programs and education efforts under the direction of a campus Environmental Lead teacher. Student groups volunteer to be environmental leaders for their campus. These student leaders pick up weekly recycling, educate their peers about the recycling process and provide valuable feedback to campus leadership regarding campus efforts. 

In partnership with local waste management programs, Frisco ISD recycles hardback books, batteries, plastic bags, packing film, printer cartridges, securely shredded documents and shoes.

Cafeteria Waste Reduction

Food Rescue is a program in Frisco ISD that targets school food-related waste. FISD aims to divert as much waste away from landfills while students learn about sustainability. Campuses participate in various food waste reduction initiatives, including recycling and composting.

Campus Gardens

Many Frisco ISD campuses build and maintain gardens, providing a unique learning opportunity for students. Campuses enrich garden soil with compost made from campus food waste.

District Efforts

Child Nutrition Department

Child Nutrition is committed to saving resources by minimizing single-use items and maximizing reusable cafeteria trays.

  • Bowls at high schools are compostable. 

  • Salad and sandwich containers are made from recycled plastic.  

  • Compostable pulp-based trays are used for emergencies.  

  • All boxes and cans are recycled. 

  • All invoicing is paperless.  

  • Energy and water use are prioritized when purchasing cooking equipment. 

  • Pallet wrap from the warehouse is recycled.  

  • Compostable pulp-based trays are used for emergencies.  

  • Child Nutrition is piloting organic hydroponic gardens to grow greens for campuses.

Maintenance Department

The Maintenance Department is committed to conserving energy and digitally tracks utility use across buildings. The advanced technology identifies and resolves energy anomalies. 

  •  Light bulbs are not disposed of in the trash; they are disposed of via a vapor recovery system.

  • FISD is replacing all fluorescent lighting with higher-efficiency LED lighting that requires less maintenance. 

  • Metal waste is diverted to a separate scrap metal recycling system.  

  • Organic waste, including straw and manure, from the Agricultural Learning Facility is composted. 

  • Parts that can be reused for future repairs are warehoused. 

  • Maintenance recycles all batteries. 

Technology Department 

The Technology Department cooperates with the city of Frisco to recycle large volumes of styrofoam, cardboard and plastic film. Technology is a key component in paper use reduction throughout the district.  

  • Energy conservation is an essential consideration in all purchasing. 

  • All technology is wiped of data and recycled through a certified company. 

  • Obsolete or non-functioning (such as science equipment, communications and appliances) are collected and sent to electronics recycling facilities. 

Print Shop

The print shop utilizes technology for more efficient paper printing than smaller, less advanced printers. Advanced printing data statistics and tracking are employed to understand and reduce the District’s paper use. 

Custodial Department

The Custodial Department plays a vital role in sustainability efforts. 

  • Custodians keep cafeteria recycling programs moving, diverting thousands of pounds of waste annually from landfills, including cardboard and other large items. 

  • The department prioritizes purchasing the safest cleaning materials for students, staff and the environment.

Construction

The Construction Department prioritizes landfill diversion for construction waste, diverting hundreds of tons. 

  • All construction waste is sorted, and items such as soil, plastic, cardboard, concrete, metals, carpet, drywall, insulation and paint are recycled or repurposed. 

  • All contractors are required to submit waste disposal reports. 

  • One of the biggest contributors to FISD energy efficiency is the underground geothermal HVAC systems installed throughout the district. These systems harness energy below the earth’s surface to drastically reduce heating and cooling costs, and energy consumption.