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COLUMBIA - Hickman High School chemistry teacher, Terry Brooks wouldn't be the first person you think of when it comes to cleaning schools. But this teacher is doing what many in the science field are doing, and the clock is ticking.
"We've got chemicals that have been here for many years, since before I came here," said Brooks who has taught for 26 years.
Acids and bases for experiments long retired, can't be solved with soap and water. Chemistry teachers are the first ones to know how important it is to dispose of chemicals properly but with tight budgets it's hard to get some chemicals off site.
"Our entire science department's budget would be used up for a year if we had to pay for the disposal of the chemicals that we've accumulated that we'd like to get rid of," explained Hickman Science Department Chair Dan Miller.
At the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Roarke Holzschuh aims to help schools dispose of their waste through a new program.
"We're kind of guiding schools through this hazardous waste disposal process," stated Holzschuh.
Holzschuh said it can cost schools more than $6,000 to dispose of chemicals.
"This program basically pays for almost 100 percent of the disposal,"explained Holzschuh.
Schools like Hickman did their homework early, but the deadline to apply for this program is Sept. 30. All of the Columbia middle and high schools have applied for the program, as well as schools in Jefferson City and Miller County.
Reported by: Reed Erickson
Posted by: Beth Hoag
Published: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 5:08 AM
Last Updated: Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at 7:17 PM |
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