Mill Pond students propose Planet Aid textile bin for school parking lot

Six Mill Pond student leaders, introduced by Principal Peter Gwellman, proposed placing a Planet Aid clothing‑recycling bin in the Mill Pond parking lot and asked the School Committee for support.

“We hope to install a Planet Aid bin at Mill Pond,” said student presenter Anaya Ajmera. The students told the committee they would place the bin in a parking spot visible to school security cameras and post signs explaining that the bin accepts only textiles. They also proposed morning announcements and student outreach to explain proper use.

Students described Planet Aid as a nonprofit that collects and recycles used clothing and shoes to reduce landfill waste and raise funds for community programs. In response to committee questions, a student explained there is no cost to the school and that the program pays roughly “5¢ per pound” of donated textiles that can be returned to the host school. The students said proceeds would be used to support school activities run by the parent group and student leadership.

Committee members praised the presentations and asked practical questions about pickup logistics, overflow and whether the bin could be linked to Mill Pond’s lost‑and‑found clothing. Students said Planet Aid drivers have scheduled routes, trained drivers who keep areas clean, and that the organization will move or remove a bin on request.

Principal Peter Gwellman described the student leadership team’s previous projects and supported the Planet Aid proposal. Committee members suggested partnering with local organizations such as Sustainable Westborough and asked the students to coordinate with school administration about placement, signage and pickup cadence.

Why it matters: A Planet Aid bin would provide a waste‑diversion option and generate modest funds for school activities while creating ongoing operational responsibilities (monitoring, signage, and pickup coordination). Students said they plan to sustain the program by handing the workshop process to a high‑school club and coordinating with the Mill Pond parent group.

Next steps: Students will proceed with placement discussions with the principal and the district; the committee offered partnership suggestions and advised the students to document pickup schedule and signage plans before installation.