N.H. Pollution Prevention in Schools Project

The issue of hazardous materials in schools is receiving national attention. There are many areas within a school where hazardous chemicals can be found. These include the art rooms, science rooms and laboratories, wood and metal shops, photography rooms, graphic arts and printing rooms, and even the custodial departments (cleaners and pesticides). Nurses’ offices may still contain mercury thermometers or mercury blood pressure measuring devices.

Many schools do not have procedures for proper storage, or budgets for disposal of unwanted, unused, and out-of-date chemicals. Some schools may not be in compliance with environmental regulations, and are improperly managing mercury-containing products and hazardous waste chemicals.

The New Hampshire Pollution Prevention Program (NHPPP) is helping schools address their hazardous materials management responsibilities through outreach, site visits and assistance with school clean outs. NHPPP staff are available to provide on-site assistance in schools, focusing on the science, art, industrial arts, technology education, and custodial departments. Our assistance is free, confidential and non-regulatory. If you are interested in NHPPP providing assistance at your school, please telephone NHPPP at 1-800-273-9469, or email sara.johnson@des.nh.gov. To learn more about DES environmental education programs and publications for teachers, please visit www.des.state.nh.us/teachers/.

This website provides guidance to school administrators and staff on common questions NHPPP receives regarding managing their hazardous and universal wastes; how to dispose of unwanted chemicals; why elemental mercury and mercury compounds should not be used in classrooms; energy and water conservation strategies; and the steps DES is taking to minimize school bus idling.