Indoor Air Quality - Tools for Schools Action Kit for Canadian Schools

Chapter 13: Waste Management Checklist

Introduction

The IAQ Action Kit is a practical tool to help school boards and school employees understand and address indoor air quality (IAQ) problems. The kit provides clear and easily applied information that can be used to improve the indoor environment of schools, help prevent indoor air quality problems, and resolve problems promptly if they do arise.

This checklist provides instructions to help school staff and contract service providers anticipate and address waste management issues that may contribute to IAQ problems in the school.

Consult with your local authorities for further information on waste management.

Hazardous Wastes

Hazardous wastes should be identified and handled according to a specific hazardous waste management plan.

Proper waste management practices promote good indoor air quality by controlling odours and contaminants. Good sanitation also decreases the need for pesticides to control vermin.

Select waste containers by considering the kind of material that is placed in them

		Food waste or food-contaminated papers and plastics should be contained securely (e.g., covered containers, tied-off plastic bags) to discourage flies and other vermin.
		Recycling bins should be clearly labelled so people don't put other types of trash in them.
		Some materials may require special handling (e.g., waste generated in art classes, science classes, and vocational/ industrial education classes). Work with teachers or administrators to identify the best methods for handling special wastes.
		Discourage the storage of food in classrooms and offices. Where necessary, food should be stored in sealed, durable containers and inspected frequently.
		Existing waste containers are appropriate and do not need to be changed.
		New waste containers appropriate to their waste are being installed.
		Need help to select and obtain appropriate waste containers.

Locate dumpsters away from outdoor air intakes, doors, and operable windows

		Ideally, prevailing winds should carry odours and contaminants away from the building.
		Dumpsters are located away from air intakes, doors, and operable windows.
		Dumpsters are being moved.
		Need help to find appropriate location and/or move dumpsters.

Empty waste containers regularly and frequently, and store them in an appropriate location

		Follow a regular schedule that minimizes odours and deprives vermin of their food source.
		Containers with plastic liners that are regularly replaced do not need to be cleaned and disinfected as often as unlined containers.
		Do not store waste containers in rooms with heating, cooling, or ventilation equipment that supplies conditioned air to other rooms.
		Waste containers are emptied regularly and frequently.
		Waste containers are stored in an appropriate location.
		Need help to modify the waste removal schedule.

Problem Summary

		All activities on this checklist have been completed and no help is required. OR
		A list of problems and/or assistance required is attached.

Comments Form

Indoor Air Quality Tools for Schools Action Kit for Canadian Schools

We anticipate revising the Tools for Schools Action Kit in the future. To help us ensure that the Kit meets the needs of those who are using it, please send us your comments about how easy or difficult you found the Kit to use. Suggestions for how to make the Kit more useful are especially welcome. If
a reply is requested, please provide your name, address and phone number along with the completed sheet and mail it to:

• Health Canada
  Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
  Indoor Environments Division
  Room 120, Environmental Health Centre (P.L. 0801D)
  Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L2

Comments or Suggestions:
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
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Your role at the school (e.g., custodial staff, teacher, etc.):
________________________________________________________

Checklist (s) used: ________________________________________

Optional for correspondence purposes:

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Address: __________________________________
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