Green Cleaning in Schools:

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.