September 4, 2024 OCDEL Issues Hazardous Waste Handling, Storage, and Disposal Advisory The Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning has issued an announcement regarding hazardous waste handling, storage, and disposal of biological contaminants. Learn More The advisory, released by OCDEL’s Bureau of Certification Services, includes an update on federal requirements by the U.S. Department of Human Services’ Office of Child Care. The announcement gives guidance on what must be done to maintain compliance with requirements for hazardous waste handling, storage, and disposal of biological contaminants. The announcement’s effective date is Oct. 1. The announcement applies to: All DHS-certified school-age programs provide care exclusively to school-age children Early Learning Resource Centers OCDEL staff Requirements All DHS certified child care programs must ensure that cleaning and toxic materials are: Kept in an area or container that is locked or inaccessible to children Stored in an original labeled container or in a container that specifies the content Stored away from food, food preparation areas, and child care spaces Used in a way that does not contaminate play surfaces, food, or food preparation areas, and does not constitute a hazard to children Trash must be removed from facilities at least once per day and from the facility grounds at least once per week. More requirements are listed on the Pennsylvania Key’s website. More Details A pre-recorded, on-demand webinar is available for certified child care providers. The webinar provides an overview of the announcement. Any questions about the announcement should be directed to regional child care offices: Central Region: 800-222-2117 Northeast Region: 800-222-2108 Western Region: 800-222-2149 Southeast – North Region: 800-346-2929 Southeast – South Region: 800-346-2929
October 7, 2021 Upcoming Neighborhood Electronic and Household Hazardous Waste Collection The City of Pittsburgh Department of Public Works Environmental Services Division will host four electronic waste and household hazardous waste neighborhood collection events on Saturdays this fall. Electronic waste and household hazardous waste includes hard to recycle materials like televisions, computers, paints, batteries, light bulbs, chemicals and more. Appointments are limited and registration is required. Fees apply to most items although the City subsidizes these fees to make them more affordable. Accepted materials and fees can be found here. Additional Information The events are scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and advance registration is required. Registration for a five minute appointment can be done online by selecting the preferred event at ecsr.net/pittsburgh-recycling or by calling the City’s 311 line. The fall events follow four events that were held over the summer which were scheduled in coordination with City Councilmembers to identify locations for neighborhood events throughout regions of the city. The upcoming events are: October 16, 2021 in Shadyside at Calvary Episcopal Church, 315 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 October 23, 2021 in Arlington at New Academy Charter School, 2500 Jonquil Way, Pittsburgh, PA 15210 November 6, 2021 in Lawrenceville at Goodwill of Southwestern PA, 160 52nd Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 November 20, 2021 in Crafton Heights at Middletown Baptist Church, 2660 Middletown Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15204
