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Bedford Public Schools, Bedford, MA
Bedford Public Schools, located in Bedford, Massachusetts, serve approximately 2,500 students across four schools: Lt. Eleazer Davis Elementary (PK–2), Lt. Job Lane Elementary (3–5), John Glenn Middle School (6–8), and Bedford High School (9–12). Approximately 1,400 lunches are served daily across the district.
Thanks to a generous donation from PlasticFreeRestaurants.org, the schools’ polystyrene (foam) lunch trays were traded for Ahimsa stainless steel reusable trays in December 2024. This was the final phase of a district-wide cafeteria waste reduction program; since 2023, the district has implemented a food share table, and separating recycling, food scraps, and liquids from true trash.
Read The Full Case Study Here (PDF)
ReThink Disposable is a program of Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund conducted in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies. Generous support is provided by a changing list of public and private funders. To learn more about the program, its partners, and funders, visit: www.rethinkdisposable.org.
Packaging practices prior to ReThink Disposable:
Single-use expanded polystyrene 5-compartment tray
Recommendations Implemented:
Durable stainless-steel 5-compartment tray
Before & After
Document
MA-Bedford-ReThink-Case-Study.pdf
(981.12 KB)
Business Information:
97 McMahon Rd
Bedford, MA 01730
United States
The Bottom Line
$11,777.40
annual net cost savings
261,720
disposable items reduced per year
5,796 lbs.
annual waste reduction
In the Lane school, we have gone from 18 bags of trash a lunch day down to 6. The reusable trays have vastly reduced the amount of garbage thrown out and have actually streamlined the whole lunchtime custodial operation.
Reducing Single-Use Food Packaging
ReThink Disposable works with local governments, businesses and institutions, and consumers of single use food packaging to inspire a cultural shift away from single-use "throwaway" lifestyle.
Kyle Rosas
Kyle started working for Clean Water Action in 2013, after graduating from Gustavus Adolphus College with a bachelor's degree in political science. He wrote his thesis on renewable energy policy development and implementation, and Clean Water Action was conveniently working to strengthen the renewable energy standard in Minnesota at that time, making a perfect fit for Kyle and the organization
Kyle grew up in Apple Valley, MN and was fortunate to never have to really consider whether the water was clean; whether the land his house was built on was polluted; whether wealthy interests were
TAj Weathers
TAj is a proud lifelong resident of Baltimore County, Maryland. TAj grew up in the beautiful Baldwin area before graduating from the University of Baltimore County, Maryland & University of Baltimore. Before joining the Clean Water Action Maryland team, TAj fueled his passion for operations by working in the C-suite to build startups and restructure organizations. TAj is an avid promoter of youth advocacy, human rights & most importantly environmental sustainability. As Chesapeake Operations Manager, TAj continues his passion for operations and his dedication to important worldwide causes.