This law notes that California has over 1,000 school districts and thousands of schools. It stresses that implementing recycling and waste reduction programs in schools will help cities and counties achieve their waste management goals. Additionally, it highlights the educational benefit to children, teaching them important waste management skills for life. As a result, the law supports helping schools start and maintain these environmental programs.

This section mandates that a board creates and carries out a source reduction and recycling program specifically for school districts. The program involves a variety of elements. First, there's a survey to find out which schools already have such programs and which don't. Next, it includes developing a model program that schools can use. Training for schools on implementing these programs is offered. The board provides ongoing help and resources to schools that need it. A repository of educational materials from other places with successful programs will be established. Additionally, they will identify necessary equipment for schools and help them find markets for recyclable materials. Lastly, they will share information about products made from recycled materials that schools can buy.

This law mandates that any recycling and waste reduction programs created for schools should align with and support existing educational materials and science curriculum developed by the State Board of Education. The idea is to make these programs fit into what students are already learning, especially about waste management.