Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Grade School Recycling Resources(K-12)

Grade School Recycling Resources Photo Banner

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble"         ~ Helen Keller

All schools in Connecticut are required by state law to collect and recover mandatory recyclables.  If your school isn't recycling, these resources could help you to develop, improve and publicize your program and to comply with the law.

Below you will find comprehensive guides to starting a school recycling program, expanding your current school recycling operations, and going beyond the 3 R’s at your school or across your school district to provide a safe and healthy environment for students. Teachers should also visit DEEP's Education webpage, and consider becoming a CT Green LEAF school.  The Connecticut Departments of Education, Energy & Envrionmental Protection, Public Health, and Administrative Services are all partners of the CT Green LEAF Schools.

What is a CT Green LEAF School?

A Connecticut Green LEAF School is a school that:

  • Provides effective environmental and sustainability education;
  • Improves the health and wellness of students and staff; and,
  • Reduces environmental impact and cost of the resources used in the school.

Connecticut Green LEAF Schools is a free statewide initiative to help K-12 schools grow “greener.” Any public or private school in Connecticut is welcome to join.

Content Last Updated June 9, 2020