Recycling (British Columbia)

Garbage or recycling?

Recycling may seem an easy gesture, essential in preserving the balance of life on Earth, but do you really know what goes into a recycling bin? Which plastics go into the bin and can you recycle old lightbulbs, soft drink cans or even broken glass bottles? We will turn your aspiring ecologists into professional recyclers using our multi-compartment wooden box: paper – plastic – metal – glass – deposit – ecocentre – garbage! They will then use their new knowledge to sort items from our recycling bin where mistakes have been made.  Their creative responses and greater awareness of environmental issues will be sure to surprise you, and be a relief for you!

Objectives at the elementary level:

• Describe the 3R-RD principle (reduction, reuse, recycling-composting and reclamation).
• Classify items that are recyclable and non-recyclable.
• Differentiate recyclable plastic from those that are not (triangle symbols).
• Describe the impact of waste management and pollution on the environment.
• Explore different solutions to improve waste management.

Objectives at the secondary level:

• Explain the concept of environmental footprint.
• Describe the chemical processes for recycling (e.g. micro-organisms for biodegradation, decomposers and erosion)