Solid waste district offers educational opportunities

If you are like me, this cold weather makes me dream of spring. Spring brings back the warm weather, the green grass and the beautiful flowers, but springtime also is a busy time for education at Bartholomew County Solid Waste District.

There are various educational opportunities for clubs, groups and classrooms. The Solid Waste Management District provides free science and environment programming, including tours and presentations. Our programs are hands-on and fun educational experiences for your members and students. Not only are the programs free, but your transportation costs are covered for tours if you are able to use BCSC busing.

In-classroom programs

In-classroom programs are brought to your classroom and are available year-around. Programs vary depending on grade level but include topics such as The 3 R’s, reuse crafts, edible landfill, water pollution and more.Landfill/wetlands toursTours of the Bartholomew County Landfill are available for third-grade students and older. Tours are offered seasonally and consist of a trolley ride to our landfill/wetlands, wetlands education programming with kidscommons and educational programming.

Recycling center tours

We offer tours of the Columbus/Bartholomew Recycling Center for pre-kindergarten to high school-age learners. These are offered year-around, depending on weather.Tours consist of a guided experience through the center, Bioswale and educational programming with kidscommons.

Little Red School houses

The Little Red School House (Recycling Center) and Little Red School House Too (landfill) are open to all educators of Bartholomew County, including school teachers, scout leaders, after-school teachers and community group leaders.These facilities offer a wide variety of donated materials, such as craft/art supplies, classroom supplies and classroom furniture. This also is a free program.

Little Red School House is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at the Recycling Center, 720 S. Mapleton St. Little Red School House Too, 811 E. County Road 450S, is open 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the first and third Saturday of every month.

For more details about our educational offerings visit our website, bcswmd.com, under the education section.