| Reviewed by: Suzanne Deadman | November 2024 |
| Ratified by: | Resources Committee, 03 04 2025 |
| Next Review: | Autumn Term 2026 |
Contents
Policy Statement
Reducing the amount of waste that they produce and recycling waste as much as possible are key elements in the development of sustainable schools.
It is the requirement that all employees on site (all persons undertaking the provision of any form of work for Forster Park School are aware of and understand the duty and responsibilities contained in our policy.
The proper removal of potentially hazardous waste, such as chemicals, is particularly important. Failure to comply with the law and with local authority guidelines on waste management may lead to fines and the threat of legal action.
The Aims of the Policy
The aim of this policy is to ensure that the school behaves in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner with regards to its waste.
Procedure
In Forster Park School the following principles will apply.
- The Head Teacher will ensure that the school acts at all times in such a way that is sensitive to the environment, minimising waste and encouraging prevention, reuse and recycling as much as possible.
- General classroom and office waste will be collected by cleaning staff according to a set scheme of cleaning work. Waste will be placed in general waste containers which will be emptied by appropriate refuse collectors at frequent intervals.
- All waste containers will be stored In the waste store in the car park at the front of the school
- Any hazardous waste will be segregated from general waste and disposed of in the appropriate manner.
- Staff who are responsible for segregating waste will be appropriately trained and be supplied with sufficient health and safety guidance and personal protective equipment (ie disposable gloves and aprons) to ensure their safety and well-being.
- Hazardous waste will be removed from the premises by a licensed waste handler and appropriate records kept. This should include a properly completed consignment note.
- The Head Teacher will ensure that appropriate and sufficient security precautions are in place to prevent theft, vandalism, arson and scavenging of waste.
- Recycling will be given a high priority with all waste that can be recycled being segregated, collected, stored in appropriate containers and removed by the Local Authority and suitable recycling companies.
- Recycling and waste disposal will involve the whole school and be overseen by a sustainable development action group, consisting of teachers, pupils, governors and parents, who will develop recycling guidelines as part of the schools environmental action plan.
- The recycling guidelines will stress the safety issues of recycling and ask people to put all recyclable items into the correct containers.
- If a risk or hazard becomes apparent, school staff should take the necessary practicable steps to minimise the danger before reporting the matter.
- Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) will be disposed of in compliance with the WEEE Regulations 2006, and not in the general waste. Where equipment is being replaced, arrangements will be made for the waste equipment to be removed for recycling by the suppliers.
- Any medical sharps waste (such as syringes and needles used for injections) will be disposed of in a secure, purpose-built sharps box or bin. When full, this will be sealed and stored securely until it is collected by a licensed contractor.
Staff Responsibilities
- All members of staff at School have a responsibility as part of their personal ‘Duty of Care’ to adhere to the waste procedures.
- Staff should ensure safe handling of waste and safe practice when dealing with waste.
- Staff should be aware of the safe separation of waste and liaise with the Premises Officer for safe collection and safe disposal point.
- Staff should ensure that the waste box will enable easy carriage or obtain help if heavy.
- Staff should handle boxes by the handle.
- Staff should put on personal protective equipment (gloves and apron) whenever necessary.
- External waste wheelie bins will be stored away from the main school building.
See Manual Handling / Security / COSHH Policies
Waste Monitoring Officers
- The Waste Monitoring Officer (WMO) are the PO & The PO assistant
- The WMOs will be responsible for the day to day requirements of these procedures in relation to the disposal and safe handling of non-clinical, clinical and special waste.
- The WMOs will also ensure that the waste disposal contracts comply with all the relevant legislation and administer licences, certificates, waste transfer notes and all other formal paperwork required.
- All staff should note that non-compliance with regulations made under the environment protection legislation could in certain circumstances result in individual prosecution.
Categories of Waste
- Non-Clinical Waste
- Clinical Waste
- Hazardous Waste
- Building Waste
Non-Clinical Waste
These are materials that can be disposed by landfill or incineration. Every classroom and the offices have a bin for rubbish. There is a bin for general waste and a green bin for recycling. General waste is collected on Wednesday and recycling on Monday by Lewisham Refuse Department. Contact: Michael Bryan, Telephone No: 0208 314 6000
Hazardous Waste
All our hazardous waste is disposed by a licensed company:
- Florescent Tubes – Mercury recycling limited.
- Chemicals – as per instructions
- Faulty Electrical Equipment – Recycling Centre
- Furniture – Regular skip on site
If the condition is good, such items will be offered to charity. If not suitable such items should be broken up and stored with general rubbish.
Clinical Waste: PHS
Feminine Hygiene waste bin locations (sanitary bins) –
- Staff Toilets
All feminine hygiene waste bins must be stored in an upright position and securely sealed to prevent accidental leakage/spillage.
All feminine hygiene bins are changed monthly on a Service Level Agreement with PHS
Clinical Waste – medical dressings, vomit bowls, first aid/medical equipment (e.g.: catheters, wipes etc)
A yellow Clinical waste bin can be found in the Medical room is emptied bi-weekly by PHS.
In the event of a new hazardous waste being identified contact should be made with the Premises Officer immediately.
Contractors
All contractors working at Forster Park School are responsible for taking away any waste that is generated including building materials. If necessary, the Premises Officer will request waste procedures from contractors prior to any works commencing.
Infectious Diseases
Disposal of Waste:
Waste from possible cases and cleaning of areas where possible cases have been (including disposable cloths and tissues):
- Should be put in a plastic rubbish bag and tied when full
- The plastic bag should then be placed in a second bin bag and tied
- It should be put in a suitable and secure place and marked for storage until the individual’s test results are known
- Waste should be stored safely and kept away from children. The waste should not be put in communal waste areas until negative test results are known, or the waste has been stored for at least 72 hours
- If the individual tests negative, this can be put in with the normal wast
- If the individual tests positive, then store it for at least 72 hours and put in with the normal waste
- If storage for at least 72 hours is not appropriate, arrange for collection as a Category B infectious waste either by your local waste collection authority if they currently collect your waste or otherwise by a specialist clinical waste contractor
- They will supply you with orange clinical waste bags for you to place your bags into so the waste can be sent for appropriate treatment.
Related Policies
- COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
- Manual Handling
Policy Review
This policy should be reviewed every two years, or sooner if procedures or guidance change.