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START Metric #29:
Chemical Management
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Ideas & Resources
What is this:
Proper chemical management means following all city, state, and federal regulations for the safe disposal of hazardous, universal, and non-regulated chemical waste. Chemical waste can originate from various sources in schools, including science labs, art rooms, cleaning products, expired materials, paints, flammable liquids, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides, among others. Beyond compliance, schools should aim to exceed regulatory requirements by using fewer chemicals, adopting green chemistry practices, and designating a Chemical Hygiene Officer to oversee safety protocols and waste reduction.
Why this is important:
Not only could improper disposal of certain substances cause irreparable environmental damage, but it could also jeopardize the safety of your school community and the public in general by contaminating the food, air or water supply.
Strategies for Effective Chemical Management
NOTE: This is not a prescriptive list; it just offers ideas to inspire action and can be tailored to fit the unique needs of each school.
Conduct a Chemical Inventory
Create an up-to-date inventory of all chemicals stored and used on campus, including science labs, custodial closets, and maintenance areas.
Regularly review the inventory to identify unnecessary or expired chemicals for proper disposal.
Develop a Chemical Management Policy
Establish clear guidelines for purchasing, storing, and disposing of chemicals.
Include procedures for emergency response in case of spills or accidents.
Provide Staff Training
Train all relevant staff, including teachers and custodians, on proper chemical handling and disposal methods.
Ensure staff are familiar with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all chemicals used.
Ensure Proper Storage
Store chemicals in labeled, secure, and ventilated areas that meet regulatory requirements.
Separate incompatible substances to prevent reactions and maintain safety.
Implement a Disposal Plan
Partner with certified waste disposal services to safely dispose of hazardous and universal waste.
Follow local, state, and federal guidelines for disposal to ensure compliance.
Minimize Chemical Use
Opt for non-toxic or less hazardous alternatives wherever possible, such as green cleaning products.
Use digital experiments or simulations in science labs to reduce the need for chemical use.
Monitor Compliance
Conduct regular inspections to ensure all chemical management practices align with regulations.
Keep detailed records of chemical purchases, usage, and disposal for auditing purposes.
Engage the School Community
Educate students and staff on the importance of chemical safety and their role in maintaining it.
Involve students in chemical waste reduction initiatives as part of sustainability education.
Collaborate with Experts
Partner with environmental health organizations or local government agencies for guidance on chemical management.
Invite experts to conduct audits or provide recommendations for improvement.
Plan for Emergencies
Develop and regularly update an emergency response plan for chemical spills or exposures.
Conduct drills to ensure staff are prepared to handle chemical emergencies effectively.
‘How To’ Guides
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EPA Chemical Management Guide for Schools
An overview of dangerous chemicals found in schools, and recommended school policies and actions for safe and healthy schools.
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EPA Toolkit for Safe Chemical Management in Schools
EPA's web-based toolkit helps schools start chemical management programs that will improve their chemical management practices.
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EPA Model Program for the State School Environmental Health Guidelines
The EPA's "Model Program for State School Environmental Health Guidelines" offers a framework for schools to create and implement comprehensive environmental health programs.
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Hazardous Waste Programs & U.S. State Enviro-Agencies
A curated list by the EPA of links to Hazardous Waste Programs and U.S. State Environmental Agencies.
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US EPA's 'Learn the Basics of Hazardous Waste'
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), passed in 1976, was established to set up a framework for the proper management of hazardous waste.
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What's In Products Database
What's In Products is a comprehensive online resource that allows users to explore the ingredients found in household products, from cleaning supplies to personal care items. The website provides detailed information about product contents, potential health effects, and safety data to help consumers make informed choices.
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The Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Toolkit for Early Care and Education
The Green Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Toolkit for Early Care and Education, provided by the Western States Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit (WSPEHSU), offers comprehensive resources for promoting healthier cleaning practices in early childhood settings.
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Conduct A Chemical Survey Lesson (Grades 5 - 8)
This lesson plan invites students in grades 5-8 to engage with the important concepts of chemical safety and pollution prevention through a hands-on activity.
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American Chemical Society: Chemical Safety Videos (Elementary to High School)
This video collection is produced by the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society. This collection of videos covers lab safety, safety data sheets, how to dress in a lab, and preparing for emergencies for elementary, middle, and high school students.
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What Not to Do in the Chemistry Lab Lesson (Elementary to High School)
This engaging lesson from the American Chemical Society offers an interactive and humorous look at common safety mistakes made in the chemistry lab.
Schools hold the key to a healthy, sustainable and regenerative future.
They are role-models and incubators that that nurture, educate and prepare each generation for adult life.
Schools have a unique opportunity and profound responsibility to become part the transition to a sustainable, regenerative future in which people and planet can thrive.
But how do we get there?
START: Sustainability Tracking, Analytics & Roadmap Tool was created by schools, for schools, to help them develop comprehensive programs for step-by-step progress towards sustainability, regenerative practice, and student empowerment.
START provides a Roadmap for School Sustainability:
It breaks down school sustainability into clear actions (‘metrics’), such as Minimizing Waste, Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and supporting Sustainable Transportation options.
However, research shows it’s not enough for a school to simply reduce its environmental impact.
Students and staff also need to learn about sustainability, and practice it in day-to-day activities, because this impacts their attitudes and behaviors when they leave school. That’s why START includes metrics like Sustainability Events for Students, Sustainability Course Content, and Sustainable Purchasing Practices.
How sustainable is our school now?
Schools use START to measure how sustainable they are now. A school’s START team investigates how their school currently operates to find their ‘sustainability baseline’ for each metric. For example, is our school a beginner, intermediate or advanced in sustainable water use? START enables schools to benchmark, track and visualize their current sustainability levels, as well as hard data around their waste, water, energy and greenhouse gas emissions.
Where should we go next, and do we collaborate for success?
What do we need to do to ‘level up’ in each metric? Once schools have their baselines, START helps them to set goals and plan for progress. START provides a central hub for school members to collaborate, document, and plan their school’s sustainability journey.
START is a subscription-based Whole School Sustainability dashboard.
It requires at least one adult school member to create a school’s START account, but it will need a team (students, teachers and staff) to grow a Whole School Sustainability program.
Interested schools can sign up for a demo or apply to set up an account.
Learn more about START here, and consider sharing the brochure with your school.
Let’s create a better future, one school at a time.
Contact us at guides@greenschoolsalliance.org if you have a free resource to contribute or recommend that can help schools take action around this specific sustainability metric.