Schools need to consider effective ways to save space, reduce risk, and lower costs when it comes to their waste. While recycling programs have helped cut school waste in recent years, it still takes careful planning to maintain effective waste management. Here are a few ways you can effectively dispose of waste at your school.

How to Reliably Reduce Waste in Schools

1. Save Space With Effective Waste Management

The average school has a population of about 530 students, with each student producing an average of ¾ of a pound of waste every week. That’s almost 400 pounds from students alone, without even counting waste generated by teaching and maintenance staff.

All this garbage together can take up significant amounts of dumpster space, so a little foresight can go a long way in preventing your dumpsters from overflowing. Brief your kitchen and maintenance staff on the importance of breaking down boxes and other foldable materials before they place them in waste receptacles.

Inform them that it’s important to leave large items, like damaged filing cabinets or dilapidated furniture, out of the dumpster and instead isolate it in a waste collection area. Finally, make sure the contact information for waste management services is readily available to staff so pickups can be easily scheduled.

2. Seal Food Waste to Discourage Pests

Many schools, especially those in rural areas in Alabama, have more than their fair share of dumpster-diving pests to contend with, including possums, rats, snakes, and flies. It’s important to seal waste to prevent these animals from gaining easy access to food scraps.

Rinse containers so nothing is left to attract pests, and place these in containers with small drains to prevent water buildup. Seal food scraps in heavy-duty, waterproof bags and close the dumpster lid after placing bags inside. Always arrange for daily pickups of food waste since leaving it out for too long encourages the growth of mosquitoes, flies, roaches, and other insects.

3. Place Bins Away From Kid-Heavy Areas

Waste can pose a risk of injury when it consists of sharp materials, like metal or broken wood, while organic matter can cause illnesses and irritations to students and staff alike. Place dumpsters at least 50 feet from any windows or vents, and well away from playing fields or playgrounds.

This will prevent pests from invading classrooms as well as reducing the risk of injury among students. The extra distance may make removal more of a chore, but in the long run, a healthy, safe student body is well worth it.

To provide your school with safe, effective, and professional waste management in the Ozark, AL, area, get in touch with Southeast Waste Disposal. These experts have offered comprehensive waste management services for over a decade as a well-respected member of the Solid Waste Association of North America. Call (334) 774-4158 or visit their website to learn more about how they can help.