(a)
It is the intent of the Legislature, by enacting this chapter, to accomplish all of the following:
(1)
Every school district and schoolsite in this state will be encouraged to implement source reduction, recycling, and composting programs that would do all of the following:
(A)
Reduce waste and conserve resources.
(B)
Provide pupils with a “hands-on” learning experience.
(C)
Minimize the expenditure of taxpayer and education dollars on solid waste collection and disposal.
(2)
School districts and individual schoolsites will cooperate with cities and counties in developing plans and programs to meet and exceed the state’s 50 percent waste reduction and recycling mandate.
(3)
To the maximum extent feasible, school districts and schools will utilize products and supplies made from recycled materials.
(4)
The State Department of Education, the State Board of Education, the California Environmental Protection Agency, and the Natural Resources Agency, will coordinate efforts in the development, dissemination, and promotion of the use of environmental education programs for pupils.
(b)
The Legislature, therefore, declares that school districts throughout the state should be assisted in establishing and implementing source
reduction and recycling programs.