A group of 12 students from Ryders Hayes Primary School, representing each year group, took part in an educational visit to observe firsthand how waste is collected and processed within the borough. This visit was part of the school’s Eco-Committee projects, which focus on biodiversity, litter, and recycling.
The tour offered an insightful look into the logistics office, where children observed the entire process of waste management from collection to processing. They followed the journey of a refuse collector, observed the equipment gathered for the day, and visited the yard where the council’s operational vehicles are stored. Additionally, the children were delighted to have the chance to sit in a refuse truck and speak with operatives directly.
Prior to the tour, the children attended an educational presentation that covered the importance of recycling, proper waste disposal, and a preview of Walsall’s new Household Waste Transfer Station in Aldridge, which is scheduled for completion later this year.
“ It is truly wonderful to see our young ones so eager to learn about ecological topics! They are our future, and welcoming them to our Environmental Depot firsthand helps instil the importance of proper waste disposal and recycling habits early on.
Visits like this provide children with invaluable experiences and engage them in positive waste cultures. It’s a pleasure to offer these opportunities to local school children.
And let’s not forget the highlight of the day – getting to sit in the refuse lorry! It’s great to know the children enjoyed themselves while learning, as this is key to fostering these positive habits in our future generation. “
The council’s Environmental Educational team had previously visited the school in Winter 2024 to deliver a whole school assembly, emphasising the importance of recycling and not littering. This was followed by visits with the school’s Eco-Committee as part of their projects on waste and the environment.
The recent visit to the Environmental Depot brought their learning full circle, as they explored how waste is managed and learned about other council services at the depot, such as the Street Cleansing team and Tree Surgeons.
In support of the school’s eco projects, Walsall Council also provided wooden pallets from the depot, which the pupils used to create sustainable beehives.
For other schools interested in similar educational opportunities, please contact EnvironmentalEducation@Walsall.gov.uk
