A spokeswoman for Stericycle did not return a call for comment Friday. North Salt Lake City officials said the plant is a harmless neighbor that complies with all rules and regulations.

But for Hanneke Leonard, one of the founders of Spectrum Academy and a former board member for the school, it's too great a risk. Last month, she pulled her two children out of the school and another child out of Legacy Preparatory after learning of the proximity to the incinerator.

She said kids with autism already have impaired pathways for getting rid of toxins, as well as compromised immune systems.

Shelly Carter, president of Spectrum Academy's board, said students will be coming to the school from as far as North Ogden, Orem and Tooele. Both Legacy Preparatory and Spectrum Academy have waiting lists for students to get into the schools. Spectrum plans to accept 210 students and Legacy has room for about 500 students.

"The general impression I am getting from my parents is they are so desperate just to have a situation that provides better educational opportunity for our kids and are really just looking for something to meet their educational needs — the rest is not playing much into the picture," Carter said.

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Contributing: Tiffany Erickson.

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E-mail: nwarburton@desnews.com