Various types of career and technical education are offered in U.S. high schools and many include training related to agricultural careers. According to National Center for Education (NCE) statistics, 97% of public high school graduates complete one or more courses in vocational education. There currently are over 11,500 National FFA Organization advisors/agricultural education teachers. One of every five jobs in private industry in the United States is related to agriculture. By teaching agriscience and agribusiness topics, teachers help students learn, grow and develop skills they will carry into their careers.

Agriculture has evolved from a production-centered industry into a competitive field which demands a blend of scientific, technological and business skills. As agricultural and trade industries evolve to meet changing policies, regulations and work force supply and demand, it is increasingly important to train students to keep pace with recent developments.

A typical agricultural education program covers a variety of subjects including biological sciences (animal, plant, horticultural, etc.), mechanics, business management, and technology, among others. Development of critical thinking skills and hands-on experience are enhanced in a laboratory setting. From mechanics to plant growth, many of these teaching areas have the potential to produce hazardous and harmful wastes. Common wastes produced are listed in the following table:

Potential Wastes and Hazardous Materials by Laboratory Area

Adapted from: Guide to Pollution Prevention: Research and Educational Institutions, EPA,1990

Though high school teaching labs typically produce small quantities, a wide variety of wastes may be produced. Small quantities and large variety can make waste tracking more difficult and may require additional expertise. This hub provides an overview of waste-generating processes and operations in teaching labs. It also presents options for minimizing waste through source reduction and recycling. The agriculture industry benefits greatly from reuse, recycling and byproduct use. Reduction of agricultural waste (before its creation) in teaching labs and recycling or reusing small quantities on- or off-site will be of equal benefit to educational institutions by reducing disposal costs and increasing safety.