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:
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- Waste Reduction Campaign
- Waste Reduction and Recycling Program
- Organics (Compost) Collection Program
- CRV Bottles and Cans Recycling Program
- Classroom Worm Composting Bin
- Backyard / School Garden Compost Bin
- Reusing Items to Create Art, Crafts, and Science Projects
- Swap Meet and Donation Center for Families
- Student and Family Pledges
- Waste Reduction Poster Presentations and Healthy Snack Party
- Other(s)
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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.
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- Step 1 is to download and review the GSS School Certification Checklist.
- Step 2 is to fill out the Checklist and ask us for help if you need assistance.
- Step 3 is to fill out the GSS School Application Survey Form and upload the completed GSS School Certification Checklist to it.
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
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The County of San Mateo Sustainability Department is hosting a free tire recycling drop-off event for San Mateo County residents. There is a limit of 9 passenger or light truck tires per vehicle, as required by state law. Tires accepted at this event must be size R19.5 or smaller, with or without rims. Please ensure the tires are deflated. Tires from commercial, auto repair, and/or salvage businesses will not be accepted.
- Location: 1 Library Ave, Millbrae, CA 94030
- Date: August 22, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Collector: San Jose Conservation Corps
Questions?
- Call 888-442-2666
Residents must provide proof of residency in San Mateo County (e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, garbage collection bill, etc.).
For larger truck tires (tractor, truck etc.) contact the Sustainability Department at 888-442-2666 for recycling location information or visit www.recyclestuff.org.