The Business Case for Transitioning to Bulk Milk Dispensers from Single-Use Milk Cartons in K-12 Schools

One of the most commonly wasted items in school lunches is also one of the most iconic: milk. WWF projects that up to 45 million gallons of milk are wasted annually in schools. This not only represents a loss of nutrition, but also the environmental and financial resources that go into producing, transporting, cooling, and storing milk. 

In partnership with Triangle Associates, WWF explores the experience of K-12 schools across the United States that have transitioned from traditional milk cartons to bulk milk dispensers. The study finds that switching to bulk milk dispensers can 1) reduce packaging and milk waste, 2) lower school costs, and 3) strengthen nutrition by increasing overall milk consumption. The goal is to help K-12 schools assess the feasibility of installing bulk milk dispensers by providing data, examples, and a Cost Savings Estimate Calculator.