City of Newcastle has introduced a new generation to the benefits of waste minimisation and recycling during a tour designed specifically for children.
More than eighty-five attendees took part in two free visits to Summerhill Waste Management Centre today, allowing children to have a close-up look at the daily operations of a landfill and resource recovery facility.
Kids get an up close look at a garbage truck with Executive Director of Waste Services David Witherdin and Lucinda the Bin at Summerhill Waste Management Centre.
CEO Jeremy Bath said these tours are part of City of Newcastle's commitment to a sustainable future, which is a 20-year vision focused on reducing unnecessary waste and increasing recycling rates.
"Engaging the community is a priority in the sustainable waste strategy framework and we are delivering this through a range of programs which include community tours of Summerhill," Mr Bath said.
"City of Newcastle currently diverts around 40 per cent of household waste through recycling efforts and a key part of our success lies within our framework of community education which empowers residents to understand the importance of recycling and reusing."
The tour of Summerhill was guided by the waste services team and covered various areas of the facility, including the Resource Recovery Centre, Green Waste, Landfill and Solar Farm.
As part of the tours, children also participated in an education session that covered interesting waste facts such as the growing issue of how to properly dispose of batteries found in children's toys, as well as problem waste such as takeaway coffee cups.
The education session gave children a chance to participate in a rubbish sorting game and build their own bin, before stepping inside a real garbage truck to meet the driver.
Managing Director of Waste Services David Witherdin said the tour is designed to engage and inspire children to be passionate about responsible waste disposal and equip them to make impactful changes.
"We know children are powerful advocates for change and teaching them about proper waste sorting and recycling empowers them to make better choices, which can also positively influence their families," Mr Witherdin said.
"Our drivers witness the enthusiasm of our younger residents first-hand during kerbside bin collections as kids eagerly wait for the truck to pass their house, and during these tours when they line up patiently to have a chance to have a sneak peek inside the vehicles.
"By building on this natural curiosity, the tour provides an exciting opportunity for children to learn more about how their behaviours can influence positive environmental outcomes."
Both tours were booked to capacity and follow the success of the first-ever kids tour in September last year which was initiated after families showed a strong interest during City of Newcastle's regular community tours of Summerhill.
