Rehab the Lab - 1998 to 2002 Local Haz Waste Mgmt Program Dave Waddell [email protected].

Rehab the Lab - 1998 to 2002Local Haz Waste Mgmt Program

Dave Waddell

[email protected]

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 ObjectivesJointly 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 2002• 577 site visits to 324 schools

– 72 high, 76 middle, 43 other, 133 elementary schools

• 84% (7,607 lbs) high risk chemicals shipped– Saw 761.2 lbs Hg materials, shipped 664.5 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 - 2001

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