1. Trip to the recycling centre
On the 4th of April 2017, 5th and 6th class students visited the local recycling centre in Newcastle West. We went by bus in the morning. We learned loads of interesting facts and we hope you like our presentation.

2. First our instructor showed us the shed where they keep the aerosols , paint and cooking oils. He showed us how they recycled and reused these items. Aerosols are sent to Germany in drums which were packed with sawdust. They then get incinerated and produces electricity.

3. Next we were shown the batteries that they recycle at the centre
Next we were shown the batteries that they recycle at the centre. Our instructor showed us lithium, electrical and household batteries . With some batteries, you can recycle the metal and plastic they contain.

4. Then we were shown where they dump the glass
Then we were shown where they dump the glass . Windscreens that have been dumped can be recycled but the protective film surrounding them has to be disposed of first. Glass is then shipped to France to be put back into the system.

5. Ceramic products such as tiles and sinks and other products can be crushed to make a filler for quarries or to make a base for making new roads.

6. We were shown various skips with mixed paper ,plastic bags and metal
We were shown various skips with mixed paper ,plastic bags and metal. We learned that they are not allowed above 5% contamination in each bin. We also learned that you cannot recycle tinfoil and tissue.

7. We were shown compost, which is free to use for anybody who is a customer. This was mixed with wood that they shredded to pack the aerosols.

9. We were shown the wood skip with various types of timber
We were shown the wood skip with various types of timber . Then we were shown the clothes banks. Our tour guide explained that if we put a damp piece of clothing into one bin full of clean clothes, the result would be that all the clothes will be contaminated. So next time you donate to a clothes bank, make sure all the clothes are clean and dry. The clothes are sent to less fortunate people or recycled into clothes.

10. Our tour included our guide explaining how washing machines , kettles , TVs and other household appliances are disposed of . The glass on TV screens can be removed and reused because producing the tinted , textured glass is expensive. The metal , plastic and glass is stripped from the appliances and reused.

11. Fridges need to be disposed of properly
Fridges need to be disposed of properly . They contain a cylinder of harmful gas that is not dangerous for us to inhale , but hazardous to the ozone layer . If your fridge breaks , it may be possible the cylinder is broken . A professional will have to refill it in order to use your fridge again .

12. After a long day full of learning new things, we thanked our knowledgeable guide , and said goodbye. We now know much more about the recycling pyramid and how it works. We loved producing this presentation and we hope you enjoyed it and maybe learned something new!