EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

An important part of managing waste involves educating and engaging the community.  To this end, the Department of Waste Management (DWM) has a number of resources available.   While programs are geared toward certain age groups, they can be tailored to fit any groups needs.

Educational programs are offered to schools, youth groups, businesses, and adult groups throughout Clinton County, and are taught by the DWM's Education Coordinator.  These programs can be tailored to meet individual needs. The programs provide a wide range of activities and hands on learning to help stimulate students and adults to think about their own waste, various ways it may be recycled and how they can get involved with recycling and waste reductions efforts at home, at school, or at work.  For your convenience, a description of the specific programs is listed below.

Elementary Programs

• Sorting it Out- This lesson explores the 3 R’s - reduce, reuse, recycle - and will explain the benefits of recycling over landfilling.
• The Great Paper Caper- This lesson explores the history, viability and recycling process of paper. Students will make their own paper.
• Wonder of Worms- Students will learn the role worms play in the composting of organic waste and their significance to plant health. Students will also study the anatomy of the worm through live observation and draw conclusions about body systems and worm senses.

Middle School Programs

• Garbage Pizza- This lesson explores several options for solid waste disposal and will help students identify the appropriate method for various items found in their waste stream.
• Landfill Lounge- Students will construct a landfill in this lesson and identify the parts of a landfill and describe their function. Alternatives to landfilling will also be explained.
• Recycling Rules- Students will explore the path that materials travel on their way to being recycled. They will learn about a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and how materials are sorted.
• Can Central- Several lessons are available on more specifically, can recycling. These lessons explain the history of the tin can and the processes for recycling and products that cans are made into.

High School Programs

• Waste Under Your Sink- Students will learn about everyday household items that are considered hazardous. They will also explore safer alternatives.
• Compost Office- This lesson will more specifically explore organics recycling and the benefits and drawbacks to this activity. Students will also learn about the various uses for finished compost.
• Showing the Loop- This lesson will take students through the process of how materials are recycled and the technology that is used.

Adult Programs

• Let it ROT! -This program focuses on backyard composting. Composting is a natural way to recycle yard and kitchen scraps. This program will show methods of composting as well as styles of bins or piles for recycling
  household organics.
• Create a Non-Toxic Home- This program focuses on household hazardous materials and their proper disposal. Many common products used for cleaning and freshening have safer alternatives. This program will help residents find safer and less toxic alternatives to some household chemicals.
• Reducing, Reusing & RECYCLING!- Many residents do not know about the various recycling opportunities within the county. If you have a group that you think would benefit from learning the basics of recycling, call to schedule a program!

In addition to educational programs, there are also many other ideas available for teachers in the Teacher’s Resource Trunk. This trunk is full of more curriculum ideas, books and videos and can be loaned out to area teachers.  Currently two trunks are available.

If you are interested in scheduling a program, borrowing the Resource Trunk, or would like more information, contact the Education Coordinator.  She can be reached at donahuek@clinton-county.org or by calling 989-224-5177.