The OWR1 SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant ended on November 1, 2024, after supporting our organics recycling programs through the distribution of more than 9,910 food scrap pails with a how-to-use educational video. The grant also paid for compost bags and wattles, sample compost bags for marketing purposes, and monitoring software.
Awarded on February 26, 2024, the OWR4 SB 1383 Local Assistance Grant supports OCWR’s organics recycling programs. Grant funds are being used for compost training provided by the Compost Council Research & Education Foundation, new organics operations equipment and related materials.
OCWR partnered with Clean Harbors and City of Newport Beach to host a marine flare collection event on June 22, 2024. The grant-funded event collected 490 expired marine flares.
OCWR and John Wayne Airport used grant funding to implement an edible food recovery program that takes unused, edible food from airport vendors and places meals into the hands of the food insecure.
Through partnerships with community leaders including the Anaheim Ducks Hockey Club, Angels Baseball, Discovery Cube OC and Orange County Department of Education, OCWR continues to build a strong platform for reaching residents across the county. Regional outreach is a cornerstone of our educational strategies, amplified by programs that engage fans, students and their families but also stretches into the digital space via social media and email campaigns.
The Ducks First Flight Field Trip at Honda Center, held February 27, welcomed nearly 15,000 students from across Orange County to learn about STEAM-based science and recycling. OCWR’s partnership with the Ducks also led to the first ever EcoChallenge social media contest, which awarded a grand prize to a local eco-hero educator and more than 600 prizes to environmentally focused educators and students across the County.
The Angels Adopt A School program held in partnership with Orange County Department of Education sponsored five schools spanning each of the County’s Supervisorial Districts. The sponsorship identified educators implementing OCWR’s free EcoChallenge curriculum, awarding each respective school a scholarship and assembly visit from an Angels player. The Angels further support OCWR regional messaging through the Angels Kids Club and social media.
Partners for over a decade, OCWR and Discovery Cube OC generate measurable impacts and exposure for waste diversion best practices. The educational activities, programs and promotions both at the Cube and within the community make an impact. Embarking on a new three-year contract that kicked off March 1, OCWR will maintain existing exhibits while sponsoring the Pumpkin Palooza seasonal festival and integrating a new grant program that connects Orange County schools with assembly and field trip opportunities free of charge.
OCWR utilizes cross promotional partnerships to present consistent messaging to residents. Orange County Department of Education and Inside the Outdoors continue to promote and implement standards-aligned curricula free to K-12 educators. In addition to supporting outreach efforts for EcoChallenge, OCDE supports OCWR at events and with shared partners including the Ducks and Angels.
OCWR continues to build a strong platform to reach residents throughout the County. Leveraging community partnerships makes a significant impact, connecting with a wide audience and promoting important legislation and initiatives that span science education, waste diversion, recycling, and environmental awareness.
