The Cambridge Recycling Division seeks volunteers who love kids and love recycling! Volunteers help Cambridge Public School students sort their breakfast or lunch cafeteria waste into the correct bins. Volunteers guide students on proper separation, share helpful tips, and thank students for “getting rid of it right.”

Lunch shifts are typically two hours from approximately 11am to 1pm. Breakfast shifts are 20 minutes before school begins. Volunteers are asked to commit to at least two shifts when signing up. 

No experience is necessary; training will be provided. All volunteers must pass a CORI background check.

Learn more and sign up here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/893f840b4183420facc1d98d347383d5

For more information, please contact Meryl Brott, Recycling Program Manager, at recycle@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4836.

Here’s a testimonial from a volunteer who went to a school cafeteria once a week:

“I'm so glad I learned about the DPW Recycling Division's volunteer opportunities through the Cambridge Volunteer Fair! As a new resident of East Cambridge, and a composting/recycling advocate, it was great to be able to spend a day/week at Kennedy-Longfellow School. With support from the City Recycling folks, K-L teachers and staff, the students do a great job at cleaning up after lunch. With just a little encouragement, they are quite conscious of using the proper buckets to dispose of their liquids, recycling, trash, food waste, and compostable paper. When in doubt, they ask for help to be sure they get it right - awesome! I really like that there is also a Share Table in case students want to exchange or donate an unwrapped item. Looking for an opportunity to create a healthier planet for ourselves and future generations? Check out how you can volunteer at one of the Cambridge Public Schools!”

-Carol Caswell