Click on the image to view the video "Cafeteria Food Waste Recycling."

In 2003 the county and the state started putting on taxes to all of our garbage services.  A 70% charge for trash - and NO tax for recycling.  The nutrition service department and Jodi Taitt from J.L. Taitt & associates got together and thought up a plan to avoid the 70%, aka the County Environmental Charge. 

Instead of throwing all cafeteria waste into one barrel; the food and beverages were now being separated into another barrel. 

Fourth grade students Antwa Hughes and Kevis Hollins listen to Minneapolis Star Tribune photographer Richard Sennott

This barrel is now picked up at the schools every-other day; taken to Barthold Farms in St. Francis, Minn., near Anoka, heated, and fed to over 3,000 hogs.

Forty-seven schools in St. Paul, mainly Elementary, began this new way to recycle (and save money) in the fall of 2006, and today, the secondary schools will slowly become involved through the 2010 school year. 

Please check back to see updated photos and information throughout the school-year below.