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- What do I need to do to prepare my child for the field trip? Answer: Preparation for this field trip
can take many forms. If your school plans to have a No-Waste Lunch, then your student needs to be educated about what this means. We want students to begin to take responsibility for
their own waste stream. No-waste lunches are a great way for you to talk to your children about waste reduction.
They are also a great way to save money and avoid buying Lunchables. Please visit the No-Waste Lunch hyperlink and it will give you much more information.
- What does my student need to wear? Answer: Please dress comfortably in layers. It is often cooler
at the landfill because it is up on a hill and there seems to be a constant breeze. Wear comfortable sneakers or boots
that you aren't afraid to get muddy. Always bring a light jacket in the Spring and Fall. It is a good idea to
have sunscreen and bug repellant if needed. Basically, plan for a day outdoors.
- What type of facilities are at the Learning Center? Answer: Currently, we have a wonderful outdoor
pavilion and outdoor classroom areas. It is important to understand that the entire fieldtrip is outdoors. We
are using port-a-potties. We will have some water available, but please make sure your student has at least 2 water
bottles for themselves.
- Is visiting the landfill safe? Answer: Yes! Many parents ask this question and even some teachers.
There is no toxic goop at the landfill that will harm students or adults. People work at the landfill everyday.
No hazardous materials are accepted at our landfill and even if they accidentally got in, there are multiple safe guards against
them leaching into our environment. If you are concerned about safety, then we strongly encourage you to come on the
field trip with us and see for yourself. Our landfill is something every resident should be proud of. It is a
beautiful place that looks more like a park than a dump.
- Does the landfill stink? Answer: Surprisingly no. The only odiferous area is the active household
waste cell and we only spend a few minutes there. We do an activity all over the landfill with the kids called the "sniff
test" to test whether it stinks. Most of what you smell is fresh country air.
- What should I expect after the field trip? Answer: Expect your students to be very excited about recycling.
They will most likely encourage your recycling efforts in your home. Even with adults, it is difficult to visit the
landfill and not have a strong desire to reduce your waste. Seeing the mounds of daily garbage makes a huge impression
on the kids. Please keep in mind a few figures when your child gets home: Every person in the United States generates
1 ton of garbage per year. Blount County puts 250 tons of garbage per day into the local landfill. Also keep in
mind that your children will be adults when space runs out at our landfill. They will be the decision makers who will
decide what to do with waste at that time. Teaching these lessons at an early age is extremely important to prolong
the life of our local landfill.
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