Department of
Environmental Quality

Science class is one of the first places kids formally learn about our natural world. Who can forget the first time they combined vinegar and baking soda to create their own "volcano"? Hands-on learning is key to a meaningful education.

It is imperative that the laboratory and classroom be a safe and secure environment. However, many classrooms and laboratories contain old, unwanted, and potentially hazardous chemicals. Spills, leaks, accidental releases, and improper management of chemicals pose risks to human health and the environment.

Idaho Chemical Roundup is DEQ's program to assist schools in adopting best practices for managing laboratory chemicals and wastes.

Chemical Roundup Toolkit

To assist schools in understanding and implementing best management practices for managing and disposing of chemicals, DEQ has developed a series of fact sheets and related materials. Link to and print the documents below in pdf format.

• Managing Radioactive Materials
• Pollution Prevention for School Science Labs
• Chemical Storage
• Chemical Inventory — Best Management Practices
• Waste Management and Disposal at Schools
• Formaldehyde and Formalin
• Best Practices for Mercury
• Reduced-Scale Chemistry
• Resources for Eastern Idaho Schools
• Resources for North Central Idaho Schools
• Resources for Northern Idaho Schools
• Resources for Southeastern Idaho Schools
• Resources for Southwest Idaho Schools