Peel Region has been recognized with a Bronze Award in the Surprise Us category at the 2025 Municipal Waste Association Promotion and Education Awards for its innovative and inclusive Waste Education School Lunchbox Initiative.
Launched in early 2024, this program was designed to promote waste reduction and sustainability by distributing over 2,800 reusable lunch containers to students and staff across seven high-priority schools in Peel. Schools were selected using the Socioeconomic Vulnerability Index (SVI) to ensure the initiative reached those most in need.
Through strong partnerships with the Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, the program reached over 2,500 students and 200 staff. It provided education on sustainable lunch practices, proper waste sorting, and the environmental benefits of reuse. Participating schools reported an increase in the use of reusable containers following the initiative, signaling a successful shift in behaviour.
The award highlights Peel Region's commitment to environmental stewardship, equity, and education, recognizing the Region's efforts to lead by example in building greener, more informed communities.
For more information about Peel's waste programs and resources, visit peelregion.ca/waste.
Quotations
"We are honoured to receive this recognition. This initiative represents more than just waste reduction; it reflects our commitment to meaningful community engagement, environmental education, and making sustainable practices more accessible to all residents. By working collaboratively with our school board partners, we were able to empower students and families to take practical steps toward a more sustainable future."
Kelly Sousa-Dias, Acting Director of Waste Management
