Excitement at the Landfill

"Who would have known that the landfill would have been this fun," one of the six grade students stated as we headed back to Highlander Charter School. The six grade class went on a science field trip to the Central Landfill in Johnston, RI. In science class the students are learning about the Eco System, Waste Management, and Environmental Degradation.

Students had the pleasure of viewing the assembly line for sorting and packing recyclables. While on the tour of recycling center students was astonished to learn that the United States number one export to China is paper and scrap metal. Students then was able to observe where materials such as tires, refrigerators, microwaves, scrap metal, oils, antifreeze, and other hazardous waste are contained.

Three hundred and sixty feet high the landfill stood. Headed to the top of the landfill students were excited to see that cows roaming around, they saw methane from the waste water being burned off from the pipes, as well as getting a first view of the layering it takes to contain the waste of the landfill. At the very top of the landfill was one of the most precious sights of Providence. We saw the city of Providence, the Newport Bridge Southern Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut; the sight was truly breath taking.

"What a way to end the field trip" one of the six grade students stated as the tour bus turned around and we headed down the landfill and to the recycling center.mone of the most important things we all learned at this field trip is that the life expectancy of the landfill is between 20-25 years. It may seem like a long time but it isn't so we need to continue to recycle to sustain a longer expectancy time.

RECYCLE..... REUSE..... RENEW..... REDUCE....
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- Brandford