Rehab the Lab to 2002 Local Haz Waste Mgmt Program Dave Waddell

What’s the Issue? October 1957 Sputnik launched The U.S. panics By 1960: $4,000,000,000 in grants to schools for science Schools buy hazardous science lab chemicals by the case They’re still there!

Project Objectives Jointly Developed w/ Ecology Protect kids, teachers and environment Work with the whole school Eliminate old chemical stockpiles Reduce hazardous waste generation Improve chemical storage practices Long-term incorporation of pollution prevention strategies

What Problems Have We Seen? Improper disposal Incompatible storage Degraded containers Degraded chemicals Excess chemicals Poorly designed facilities

The Process Schedule visit Identify & mark unneeded containers Signature of pollution prevention pledge Conduct full school audit Provide vendor list Wastes shipped, 100% cost coverage Follow-up to evaluate, educate, leave cues

Accomplishments Through site visits to 324 schools –72 high, 76 middle, 43 other, 133 elementary schools 84% (7,607 lbs) high risk chemicals shipped –Saw lbs Hg materials, shipped lbs (87%) Disposed 38.2 tons haz chemicals (1,410 drums) Treated potential chemical explosives at 44 schools 20 workshops to >350 teachers given WA State Governor’s Award

So, What’s Up? Increased US Focus Issue –IA, MA, IN, KS, CO, VT, OH, WA, OR (pilot) Washington Grants –$500K from Ecology –75% match disposal –100% match for audits –Counties & Districts –April 2002 to June 2003 Pic from Iowa

Washington Hg Legislation- School Implications Plan for proper disposal Mercury Compounds –Can’t purchase, remove by 2004 Bulk Mercury –Can’t purchase, remove by 2004 No new manometers No new thermometers unless used for calibration

Leveraging This Opportunity Kid’s Opportunities –Safe environment –Learning with chemicals Teacher’s Opportunities –Increased safety & awareness –Small scale chemistry Agency’s Opportunities –Avoiding chemophobia –New partnerships –Feel good about impacts