Environmental & Conservation Services

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Questions   Answers
     
Is there a specific time of day when the hauler will empty or pickup our school's trash or recycling?

No, our schools and facilities are not on a set pickup schedule. Haulers are limited by a school's time of opening and closing each day and by noise ordinances in some places.  So, while you should expect them to come on the same DAY every week, they may not necessarily come at the same TIME of day.

Why doesn't the waste or recycling hauler pick trash or cardboard off the ground when they come to service the dumpster?

Haulers generally do not exit their vehicles while on the campus. They may occasionally do it as a courtesy, but in general, they will not collect any material left on the ground.

We received a utility invoice, what do we do?

Schools do not pay their own utility bills, so the bill was likely sent in error.  Please forward it to Alicia Corbiere at ECS/Summit.

How do I manage my old light bulbs?

Please refer to Bulletin #P-12639-COO/P which explains labeling, storage requirements, minimum number of boxes for a pickup and contact information for the vendor who will pick them up directly from the school or support facility.

What kind of batteries can be recycled and where do I put them?

If the battery can be recharged it can be recycled (alkaline batteries cannot be recycled).  Blue recycling buckets have been distributed to all schools and support facilities.  Please ask at the front desk.

What do I do with old laboratory chemicals at my school?

First, inventory the chemicals (chemical’s name and amount, e.g., 1L sulfuric acid). Second, separate usable from unusable chemicals (if possible). Third, contact the ECS for assistance in finding a new home or for disposal.

Why do District air conditioning systems shut-down at nights & weekends ?

Most District HVAC systems are controlled by a computerized EMS (Energy Management System) that monitors & serves the interior building conditions 24/7 – 365 days per year. If relative humidity starts to get elevated, the A/C systems starts-up and begins to dehumidify the interior spaces.

Why can’t tennis balls be used on the legs of student seating & tables?

The use of tennis balls is prohibited by School District IAQ policy 7.195 for several reasons. The balls collect large quantities of dirt, dust, sand and allergens. Tennis balls also emit organic vapors from the rubber compounds and adhesives used in manufacturing. Once the balls get dirty & sandy, they easily damage vinyl flooring. The District has approved plastic slides for seats, desks and tables that do a much better job of protecting waxed vinyl flooring and do not create emission concerns.