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The County of San Mateo has added a translation feature developed by Google Translate to assist web visitors in understanding information on this website in a variety of foreign languages. Please be aware that Google Translate, a free third party service which the County does not control, provides automated computer translations that may not give you an exact translation. The County cannot guarantee the accuracy of translations through Google Translate so translations should not be considered exact and only used as a rough guide. Anyone relying on information obtained from Google Translate does so at his or her own risk. The County disclaims and will not accept any liability for damages or losses of any kind caused by the use of the Google Translate feature.

two students at event table displaying project titled Help Save the Environment - Spreading Awareness with Knowledge
GREEN STAR SCHOOLS PROGRAM
Empowering
youth and schools to take action.

Green Star Schools Program

Earn recognition for your classroom, club, or school by taking action through the Green Star Schools (GSS) waste reduction pathway.

GSS Classroom and Club Certification

Do you have classroom or club (green team) projects that have students take action to conserve resources and reduce waste? If so, consider certifying your classroom or team / club under our Green Star Schools Program through the waste reduction pathway. You can begin this process by filling out the following GSS form.    

Also, if you are considering doing classroom or green team / club action projects to conserve resources and reduce waste check out the following list (Classroom / Club Action Project Ideas) below. If you need help getting started with an action project let us know at sustainability@smcgov.org and we would be happy to help.  Once projects are complete you can fill out the GSS form to get your club or classroom GSS certified.

Classroom / Club Action Project Ideas:

GSS School Certification

Do at least 25% of your student population participate in a program or project to reduce waste at your school such as a recycling and compost program, does your school have policies to conserve resources and reduce waste, do school staff support recycling and composting at your school, etc.? If so, consider certifying your school under our GSS program.

To learn more about this dynamic program for schools in San Mateo County or for technical assistance / help on this certification program, please email us at sustainability@smcgov.org.

The Latest News & Events

Compost Workshop
May
12
Compost Workshop

Learn how easy and fun it is to recycle your fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and plant cuttings into compost in these free workshops! These workshops teach composting options suitable for those with or without a backyard. Apartment dwellers welcome! Compost provides valuable nutrients for your garden soil, helps retain moisture, which saves water, prevents erosion, loosens clay and compacted soils for better drainage, and suppresses weeds. It is rewarding to know you are turning what some consider waste into precious organic material for your garden.

Discounts and rebates for backyard compost and worm compost bins will be distributed to San Mateo County residents!

COMPOST WORKSHOP

Date: May 12, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Atherton
Register here.

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