Immaculata-La Salle High School students and staff are experiencing a major transition in campus restrooms this semester. The school administration officially removed traditional paper towel dispensers and installed modern, automated electric hand dryers across the entire campus. This facility overhaul was introduced to modernize daily school infrastructure, but also to address recurring environmental issues.
“For me it’s super good because it reduces paper waste in the bathrooms,” shared sophomore Ethan Silva.
The facility upgrade aligns with broader student-led sustainability efforts across campus, aiming to drastically cut down on single-use paper product usage throughout the academic year.
Before the installation of the high-speed electric units, maintenance personnel faced constant upkeep challenges throughout peak passing periods and busy lunch shifts. Discarded paper towels routinely overflowed from waste bins, creating cluttered restroom floors, unsanitary conditions, and frequent plumbing blockages that required immediate custodial intervention.
“Para mí la vida y el trabajo es mucho más fácil con las máquinas nuevas de secar las manos,” (“For me, life and work are much easier with the new hand drying machines,“) stated campus custodial worker María González.
By removing physical paper dispensers and integrating high-efficiency, touch-less electric dryers, the school administration has eliminated daily trash accumulation while encouraging sustainable habits across the student body. The transition also removes the need for constant paper restocking during after school hours, allowing facility workers to gain more time on other essential cleaning duties.
“Estoy muy feliz con este cambio y ojalá que todas las escuelas instalen estas máquinas porque es más fácil, más rápido y menos trabajo,” (“I am very happy about this change and I hope every school implements these machines because it is easier, faster, and less work,”) expressed Mrs. González.
While the new dryers have significantly improved restroom cleanliness and overall worker efficiency, some students note that adapting to the change requires patience during congested passing periods.
“Honestly, the dryers are a good idea, but when class ends we all want to use the restroom at the same time and pretty long lines form,” shared sophomore Julian Alvarez.
High-volume usage between classes occasionally leads to brief wait times as students adjust to the new drying routines.
In addition to curbing daily sanitation issues, the transition supports the school’s broader environmental commitments. By eliminating thousands of single-use paper towels each month, the campus significantly reduces its overall solid waste footprint, demonstrating a practical approach to sustainability that directly integrates clean technology into daily high school operations.
Despite these minor adjustments, school leaders remain confident that the long-term environmental and financial benefits will far outweigh any initial growing pains.
