School children get sorted with their recycling
Children from Avenue Junior School, Norwich, found out how their rubbish get sorted when they visit the Eco-tech Centre in Swaffham.
The mini-materials recycling facility (MRF) is an activity session for children to simulate what it would be like to work in the real MRF at Costessey where all Norfolk's household recycling is sent. The mini-MRF consists of a conveyor belt where items of recycling (plastic bottles, card, paper and metal cans) are sorted into the right areas and contamination - such as crisp packets, videos and yoghurt pots - are removed as they cannot be recycled.
The mini-MRF was designed for use with children by waste reduction officers from the waste management team at Norfolk County Council. So far over 300 children have used the mini-MRF during their visit to the centre at Swaffham and they expect around 2000 more this year. The Schools' Waste Action Club is just one of the many projects that the officers are involved in across the county and they are pleased that the mini-MRF has been so popular.
Eco-tech's Manager, Stuart Weaver, who leads these sessions for schools, said:
"The Mini MRF has proved very popular with the children, giving them the opportunity to think about waste and recycling in a hands-on way. Their enthusiasm is great to see and the subject is really brought to life.
Eco-tech is really appreciative of Norfolk County Council and their staff for the long term loan of the equipment and it complements our own schools education programme perfectly."
Schools interested in working with the mini-MRF can contact Stuart Weaver direct to make a booking.
For other activities on reducing, reusing and recycling school waste, contact the waste reduction officers on 0844 8008004 or email swac@norfolk.gov.uk or visit the website www.norfolk.gov.uk/swac.
