Developments in State and Local Policy
Boston (MA) Public School District
(approx. 57,000 students and 144 schools)
Citation: Boston Public Schools, Superintendent’s Circular #FMT-12: Green Cleaners Policy
Effective: April 2007
Summary: The Green Cleaners Policy establishes Boston Public Schools’ commitment to purchasing green cleaning products, implementing best practices and training staff.
Key Provisions:
Requirements for Using Green Cleaning Products. According to this policy, Boston Public Schools will procure and use only green cleaning products that meet district standards.
Guidelines and Specifications. Pursuant to the policy, the district will purchase and provide only “green” or environmentally-friendly cleaning products. The policy requires vendors to prove that their products meet the Green Seal, Inc., GS-37 standard. (These products also fall within the state’s Environmentally Preferable Products Procurement Program.)
Best Practices for Cleaning and Management. Under the policy, the district will implement cleaning practices that maintain a healthy, safe, and clean learning and work environment, including: scheduling floor stripping and waxing during non-occupied hours; burnishing floor surfaces wherever possible; and restricting the use of disinfectants to cleaning potential food-contact surfaces and sewage/waste cleanup.
Technical Assistance/Training. The policy commits the district to training and updating custodial staff on the policy, including training on hazard communications, worker safety, and product/equipment use.