As Earth Day approaches, Rye Lake Lower Campus learn firsthand about recycling

Tour of county facility educates students on important topic

Rye Lake Lower Campus students learned firsthand about recycling during a tour of Westchester County’s Material Recovery Facility in Yonkers.

Four students, joined by Teacher Tiffany Kittrell and teaching assistants and teacher aides, rode the bus across the county to the massive building that towers over the New York State Thruway. What happens inside is even more impressive than the outward appearance.

Mounds of plastic and paper products were tended by heavy machinery while sorters looked for items that didn’t belong before the materials moved off along lengthy conveyor belts. What might look like a year’s worth of recyclables was just that day’s deliveries, said tour guide Laura Pittman. 

While the group waited for the elevator to a viewing area, Ms. Pittman described how one company turns recycled plastics into clothing. She asked students what else they think might be recycled. Ms. Kittrell assisted one student who communicated through the use of iPad software called TouchChat. Metal, came the reply. Sure enough, metal sculptures in the forms that included a flag and an evergreen tree showed off artistic uses for scrap metal.

"We recycle plastic. We recycle paper. Does anyone know where paper comes from?” the guide asked, eliciting the response of trees.

After viewing the operation and discussing the topic, the group rounded out the visit by watching an educational video.

“Besides the social interaction and the chance to see a different part of the community, this school trip offered our students an understanding of an important topic, recycling,” Ms. Kittrell. “We thank the county and Ms. Pittman for helping educate us. Especially with Earth Day approaching, this was a valuable experience for our students.”