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Presentations
To foster greater understanding of the management of waste in York County, The Authority offers presentations on a wide variety of topics. Presentations are provided at no cost to York County residents, schools and civic groups. Presenters are available to visit you at your site, or we can accommodate up to 60 people at the Authority's Education Center. All presentations are customized for age-appropriate content and length. To schedule a presentation for your group, call 717-845-1066. Please allow a minimum of two weeks advance notice to schedule a presentation. The Magic of Waste-To-Energy Introduces participants to the York County Resource Recovery Center and explains the technology that not only reduces their garbage to a smaller volume of ash, but also recycles it into electricity. Includes a discussion about where waste comes from, how much we all make and how we turn waste into energy in York County. Participants discover the surprising secret of what happens to the ash left over from processing their garbage! Tours of the Resource Recovery Center are also available. Ages six and up. The Incredible, Edible Landfill Learn about the science and technology required to build and operate a modern sanitary landfill. Participants will understand what a landfill is, what types of waste can be managed in a landfill, how landfills are regulated and how science and technology influence how and where landfills are built. Participants learn as the lesson progresses by building their very own landfills out of edible materials. Students are appointed "honorary landfill engineers" for the day (after answering a series of questions qualifying them for the job). In this hands-on activity, students build their own landfills layer by layer (out of candy ingredients) to learn the function of each layer and how it helps to protect the environment as garbage decomposes. Since students use edible materials to build their landfills, once the landfills pass a final inspection and are "permitted to operate", students get to eat their work! All ingredients provided by the Authority. Ages five and up. Recycled Paper Revelations Participants will learn why and how we recycle paper. Participants will investigate the history of paper, explore the important role paper plays in our modern lives, and consider all the products we use daily that would not be possible without paper. Participants will understand the environmental factors and influences that make the practice of recycling paper key to preserving natural resources. Participants will make recycled paper out of old scrap paper. Ages five and up. "Green Consumerism": How your Shopping Habits Impact the Environment Participants examine consumer shopping habits to understand how product packaging and lifestyle influence their product selections, and how their selections directly impact the environment. Ages 12 and up. Recycling "Rules"! Participants will learn why they should recycle, what materials can be recycled, and how to prepare recyclable materials for processing. Participants will be introduced to Act 101, the state’s Municipal Waste Planning, Recycling and Waste Reduction Act and will be able to identify the eight Act 101 recyclable materials approved for collection in municipal recycling programs. Participants will learn about different recycling methods (curbside and drop-off) and will understand how recycling is conducted in Pennsylvania (especially in York County). Ages six and up. Biosolids: Wastewater at Work…Down on the Farm! Journey into the world of biosolids recycling. Find out what happens to your wastewater after it leaves your home. Did you know treated solids from your wastewater are a good soil amendment for farmers’ fields? Participants will understand the wastewater treatment process, the state biosolids regulations in place to protect human health and the environment, and the land application process itself (with an emphasis on how land application is managed in York County). Ages 12 and up. What in the World is a Solid Waste Authority? Who manages the waste I produce? Where does all my garbage go? This introduction to the York County Solid Waste Authority will answer these and many other questions. Topics covered include public administration, waste-to-energy, recycling, composting, and landfilling. Ages ten and up. Hazardous Waste: Is "Mr. Yuk" Living in Your House? Learn about common household products and how misuse of these products can hurt the environment. Participants learn to identify household hazardous waste and how to choose smart alternatives. Ages six and up. Vermicomposting: Worms with an Appetite (for Waste)! Meet our "red wigglers". These special worms transform food scraps into vermicompost (worm compost). Your group can help make new worm bedding or "harvest" vermicompost. When available, your group may borrow a bin for several months and watch these worms turn food scraps and soil into compost! Ages five and up. Composting: Get "the Dirt" on Humus! Did you know up to 30 percent of your solid waste stream could consist of leaf and yard waste? Compost is an excellent soil amendment and aids in water retention. Learn how you can turn your leaf and yard waste into compost in your backyard in just a few simple steps. Ages six and up. |
