Current Opportunities
Green Team Mini Grants
The New York City Department of Sanitation and Citizens Committee for New York City are awarding up to $1000 to school green teams! Grants must be used for green team expenses such as recycling and garden projects, t-shirts/uniforms, school sustainability events, and eco-friendly giveaways. NYC K-12 public schools are invited to apply. PLEASE NOTE: Spring 2020 recycling projects will receive material support. All other projects will receive cash grants. For more information, please contact us at schools@dsny.nyc.gov.
Spring 2020 Recycling Items Reference Sheet (PDF)
Green Team Mini-Grant Flier (PDF)
Green Team Mini-Grant Budget Guidelines (PDF)
Green Team Mini-Grant Application Guidelines (PDF)
Current Contests
DSNY’s Commissioner’s Cup (Award)
A brand new recognition for sustainability efforts, projects and significant improvement in school recycling, chosen by the DSNY Commissioner’s Office
CCNYC’s Team Up To Clean up Contest
Rewards schools that conceive, design, and implement effective cleanup and beautification projects, including school gardens.
MFTA’s Reduce & Reuse Contest
Recognizes and awards creative reuse projects in schools.
RCP’s Super Recyclers Contest
Recognizes and awards exemplary recycling programs in schools.
Important Notes
  • •   Only NYC DOE public schools can win cash prizes. Private and charter schools cannot win cash prizes.
  • •   The Green Team Mini-Grants will open twice a school year. All applications will be submitted online via nyc.gov/zws.
  • •   Grantees can only be funded once a school year.
  • •   For any questions about the contests or website, email schools@dsny.nyc.gov
2019 Winners
Click to see all contests winners
Past Winners
2018 2017 2016 2015
2014 2013 2012 2011
2010 2009 2008 2007
2006 2005 2004 2003
2002 2001
Getting Started on ZWS
The Zero Waste Schools (ZWS) website is an exciting new social media platform where NYC students and teachers can celebrate what they are doing to protect our environment – and win prizes too!

See the FAQ section on how to create an account.

Teachers must first create an account before their students can begin posting. Teachers can get their school’s unique validation code, which they will need to create their school’s account, by emailing schools@dsny.nyc.gov (include your school name/number and address). Teachers can begin posting as soon as they sign up.

Get started on the contests today! Read the contest pages for more information, and look at the previous winners for great ideas.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES for 2019/2020:

•   Fall Green Team Mini-Grant Deadline: 5pm on Friday, November 8, 2019
•   Spring Green Team Mini-Grant Deadline: 5pm on Friday, February 14, 2020
•   Contest Submission Deadline: May 1, 2020
•   Announcement of Contest Winners: May 2020
•   ZWS Awards Event date: June 2020

Email schools@dsny.nyc.gov with any questions.

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