School landfill trips to inspire young recyclers

School students are touring Council’s Eumundi-Noosa Road landfill and resource recovery centre to learn about recycling and see what happens to their rubbish.

Noosaville State School students are among the latest to take the tour. They learned how e-waste, such as televisions and computer equipment, is recycled, how green waste is turned into mulch, and how Council captures and flares methane gas from the landfill to reduce its impact on the environment.

Sustainability Project Officer Emma Menzies said the tours are a great way to introduce children to recycling and to give them knowledge they can take home and put into practice.

“The students are often surprised to learn that we can recycle old white goods, batteries, concrete, garden waste and even polystyrene,” Ms Menzies said.

“The school tours include a look at both capped and active landfill cells – from a viewing platform – and we show them what happens to the run-off, known as leachate,” she said.

Tours can be adapted to fit each school’s curriculum.

“Most importantly the students learn why recycling is important for the planet – it not only reduces the amount of landfill space needed, but, particularly in the case of organic waste, reduces the production of greenhouse gas.”

Teacher Sven McNiven said the Noosaville State School students got a lot out of their tour.

“Visiting the Noosa Landfill gives our students a local perspective on the issues of waste management and sustainability.  It empowers them to make changes in their own behaviours to develop sustainable habits that will last a lifetime,” he said

Schools can book a tour of the landfill for their students by calling Council on (07) 5329 6500.

“The invitation is open to all schools and we can assist with transport,” Ms Menzies said.

15 May 2017