School Waste Policy
Amending state policy to strengthen recycling in Kentucky schools and phase styrofoam out of cafeterias.
Styrofoam lunch trays cannot be recycled or composted, which undermines cafeteria waste reduction before it starts. Phasing them out is one of the highest-impact changes a school system can make.
Future Forward is supporting amendments to Kentucky's school recycling law that would expand district recycling and composting requirements, add education for students and staff on proper sorting, and end the purchase of styrofoam trays in school food service.
This is policy shaped by people inside the cafeterias it affects. By diverting waste at its source, it strengthens every other initiative, from composting to sorting to recycling.
In September 2026, the proposal reached Frankfort: Anikaa presented it to the Kentucky legislature's Interim Joint Committee on Education, joined by Sen. Phillip Wheeler of Pikeville. The bill was drafted with the Legislative Research Commission, and the General Assembly returns for its 2027 session in January.
This proposal went to Frankfort
On September 1, 2026, Anikaa presented the bill proposal to the Kentucky legislature's Interim Joint Committee on Education, joined by Sen. Phillip Wheeler of Pikeville. The bill was drafted with the Legislative Research Commission, and the General Assembly returns to Frankfort for the 2027 session in January.
74 million
styrofoam trays used by Kentucky schools every year
17 million lbs
of food waste created by Kentucky schools every year
July 2028
proposed end date for districts buying styrofoam trays
Anikaa's presentation starts at 41:30 in the committee's official recording.
“If we want the next generation of our state to be responsible in adulthood, then I think it's important that we start within schools for the most effective change.”
Recycling & Composting
Student-built recycling and composting, now running across six Pike County high schools.
Sort Smart
An AI cafeteria tray scanner that ends the guesswork and stops contamination at the source.
Bottle to Filament
Turning recycled bottles into 3D-printing filament, made right here in the community.