When we imagine a school at any level from elementary to college, we imagine safe, positive learning environments. We seldom consider whether or not these educational settings produce hazardous waste. However, everything from outdated printer cartridges in elementary libraries to chemicals for collegiate science labs poses risks to communities and the environment. To prevent those risks from actual damage, schools must dispose of hazardous waste properly. One way to do that is through lab pack disposal. Keep reading to learn about three reasons why schools need that disposal option.
Comply With Laws
Some federal, state, and local laws require all hazardous waste producers, including schools, to dispose of their waste safely. Failing to comply with those laws jeopardizes the school and could lead to fines. These fines are no small matter either. School districts and other services and businesses can face hundreds of dollars’ worth of fines if they fail to comply with hazardous waste laws. Some schools may even face temporary closures until the hazards are secured and experts determine that the area is safe. If you don’t want your school to face fines and closures, you should make sure you comply with all hazardous waste laws. Disposing of hazardous waste with lab packs helps keep you in compliance.
Protect Students and the Environment
Lab pack disposal helps keep schools in compliance and protects students and the environment. Many materials are ideal for lab pack transportation and disposal. When someone, such as an employee from a waste management company, handles those materials properly, no one has to worry about that waste accidentally hurting students or the surrounding environment. It’s a school’s duty, at any level, to keep students safe while on school grounds. Using lab packs to do so is an easy way to fulfill that duty.
The environment around a school is also important. Students who walk or ride bikes to school experience this environment up close every day. Many science teachers take students around school grounds to better understand their local environment. Schools should want to protect these areas for the good of their students, and properly disposing of hazardous waste with lab packs is one way to do so.
Maintain Community Respect
Schools are an integral part of the community. Communities respect and value local schools, from elementary schools that champion young scholars to college campuses that contribute to the growing workforce. Losing that respect can decrease financial donations and attendance in that school.
If a community learns a school is defying laws about hazardous waste and potentially harming students and the environment, the school can lose respect for years to come. In contrast, if a community knows that a school is doing everything possible to dispose of hazardous waste correctly, including using lab packs, they’ll continue to respect the school.
There are many reasons why schools need lab pack disposal, from complying with laws to maintaining respect within local communities. If you’re a teacher in a local school system, ask administrators and other authority figures in your district if the school uses lab packs to dispose of hazardous waste. If not, encourage them to use this safe, efficient disposal method to ensure everyone stays safe.