Where does all the rubbish go?

26 June 2008

Have you ever wondered where your rubbish goes once it’s collected? Young people have been finding out at Bedfordshire County Council’s Elstow Materials Recycling Facility, which offers educational visits for local groups, schools and organisations.

Visitors to the facility can find out about waste disposal in a fun and varied way. Once kitted out in hard hats and reflective gear, they are taken on a tour of the recycling depot where they can find out how rubbish is recycled and reused. They witness the huge ‘caterpillars’ shovelling rubbish into the bag splitter, then watch as the rubbish moves along the conveyor to the picking line. The rubbish is then sorted either by hand or magnet before it is baled up.

Back in the classroom there are many activities to take part in, including having a go at sorting rubbish along a mini conveyor line, badge making and question and answer electronic games.

Councillor Tom Wootton, Bedfordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Waste, said: "Waste issues are now a national concern. The country’s landfill is rapidly running out. At Bedfordshire County Council we are making sure that all local residents and businesses are aware of the recycling facilities available to them.

"Centres such as Elstow hopefully show people exactly what we as a county council are doing to help this national cause. It also teaches young people good recycling habits and encourages them to tell their friends and families to do the same.

"Around 1800 people visited the Materials Recycling Centre during the last academic year and since September we’ve had well over 500 visitors. These figures don’t even include our free open days which anyone can come along to.

"Over the last few years, Bedfordshire’s recycling rate has increased from 9% to 40%. The message is getting across. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all residents for reducing, reusing and recycling."

ENDS