When we think of hazardous waste environments, schools are not the first that come to mind. Yet, like any other environments where people work and go about their day-to-day activities, schools produce waste products that can be harmful to human health – and therefore must be disposed of accordingly.
High schools usually have greater pupil numbers and more sophisticated subjects for children to study, which means the greater the chance for hazardous waste to be created. Nevertheless, primary schools should be aware of products that are potential harmful.
Science laboratories and departments often have stocks of harmful substances used to demonstrate the basic functions of chemistry and chemical reaction – careful disposal for this type of waste is essential. Flammable liquids, oxidizers, reactives and toxics are all commonly found in school labs, and should be labelled and identified correctly under COSHH regulations.
In print and art workshops commonly found chemicals include developers, fixers and dyes, as well as petroleum-based inks. In wood and metal workshops for industrial design subjects, degreasing solvents and Polyurethane sealers are used.
Paint and other solvent-based coating materials might also be found on-site at schools, and should be risk assessed for storage, use and disposal. These are extremely hazardous to health and their disposal treated with care. Some examples are paint thinners, adhesives and oil-based paint.
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) can pose another significant hazard: most schools now rely on electrical equipment as an educational aid, and the disposal of this should not be underestimated – there are regulations governing this type of disposal – and it can mean virtually anything with a battery or plug.
Similarly, fluorescent tubes and bulbs are also extremely common in both primary and high schools and are classed as a hazard. Used materials should be stored in a special container until they are collected by a licensed waste collector.
Oils used for cooking by catering staff at primary and secondary schools are also a problematic and hazardous waste, and all waste should be sealed and taken away by the authorised waste management collectors.
Those supervising dangerous or hazardous chemicals in schools are advised to regularly do an inventory of substances and potential hazards, particularly if they have an expiry or use-by date. This will minimise risk, and help those who collect hazardous waste to dispose of it correctly and efficiently.
