Ynyshir Primary School pupils were treated to a journey of discovery as they visited the Amgen-Cymru Visitors Centre, Bryn Pica, Llwydcoed.
To celebrate recycling week (20th-26th June) Amgen Cymru teamed up with Tata Steel Packaging Recycling (TSPR), to provide a special workshop about how and why we recycle steel products.
TSPR, joined forces with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Streetcare Recycling team, to meet the pupils and give them an insight in to the journey of recycling in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The pupils learnt all about steel and experienced a “day in the life of a steel can” and how it can be recycled in to all sorts of fun items, including; a bicycle frame, an aeroplane, a bridge and lots more. Perhaps the most important fact they learnt was that steel can be recycled over and over again, so their steel can play a big part in their lives!
After discovering all about steel the pupils headed off on to the Rhys Cycle safari where the pupils discovered what could happen if they don’t recycle and why Rhys Cycle fights against landfill. As they visited the landfill site the pupils learned all about how and where their non-recycled waste goes and how Rhys Cycle uses some of the gasses generated to power their X-Box or TV’s at home.
Next stop for the pupils was down to the mini-Material Recovery Facility and the pupils got to muck-in and find out just how to sort out recycling.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Frontline Services Cllr Anthony Christopher said: “The Amgen-Cymru Visitor Centre is undoubtedly being well received by the many schoolchildren who visit the site and learn more about the environment work they can participate in for the benefit of their community and the world at large.
“By seeing the equipment work for themselves and visiting the landfill site they will learn about what happens to their recycled waste, how it is sorted into different materials and how they can help reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
“I would encourage all schools and organisations throughout the County Borough to take the opportunity to visit the site and see for themselves the excellent work being undertaken by Rhondda Cynon Taf to increase our recycling rate year on year.”
Nicola Bennett, Tata Communications Manager, said: “Recycling Week is important as it comes near to the summer holidays when we want children in Rhondda Cynon Taf to recycle their rubbish and encourage their friends and family to do the same.
“I’m delighted to be able to visit Amgen Cymru and help Ynyshir pupils find out about the recycling journey of steel from when it leaves Tata, goes through Amgen Cymru facilities and eventually ends up being recycled in to a new product. Once children hear about this at a young age, they tend to retain an interest throughout life.”
The Rhys Cycle Safari at the Amgen-Cymru Visitor Centre, Bryn Pica, Llwydcoed is open to all schools, groups and colleges across the County Borough and from March 2011 free return transport is available. The centre is open four days a week and allows groups of 12 or less to learn more about the world of recycling and the various ways that residents across the County Borough can get involved.
For more information on the Rhys Cycle safari visit, please contact the Streetcare team on 01443 827700. For more information on Tata Steel Packaging Recycling visit www.scrib.org
