Students rethink waste with Resource Recovery Centre and Enviroschools

Pupils from Turaki School and Ōwhango School have put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test during an Enviroschools waste and resource day at the Taumarunui Resource Recovery Centre.

Ruapehu District Council proudly supports the Enviroschools programme, which empowers young people to explore environmental sustainability and take action within their schools and wider communities.

The visit gave the pupils an opportunity to learn about waste, recycling, reuse and resource recovery through a series of fun, practical challenges.

Taumarunui Resource Recovery Centre Manager Emily Jasmine said the pupils were asked to turn materials that might otherwise be considered waste into useful resources.

“Turaki School pupils were challenged to find recovered and recycled materials to build a robot, while the Ōwhango School pupils searched for reusable resources for their school’s sensory and biodiversity garden.”

“While completing their challenges, the pupils were also able to see how the Resource Recovery Centre operates and the important role it plays in diverting material from landfill. The pupils get to explore what is and is not waste, see where different materials go and discover what can be recovered for reuse or recycling. In doing so they learn about the waste hierarchy and get to consider how people, resources, and the environment are all interconnected.”

Enviroschools Facilitator Rochelle Faire said visiting the Resource Recovery Centre provided the students with a unique learning experience that could not be replicated in the classroom.

“At the end of the day, they can reflect on the resources they rescued and better understand why reuse is a much better outcome for both people and the environment.”

The day demonstrated how materials commonly regarded as waste can be given a second life through creativity, practical thinking and a greater understanding of their value.