Landfill and Composting Facility Tour
City of Calgary - Waste and RecyclingDiscover where Calgary's waste goes and how we can keep more of it out of the landfill.
Quick Facts
Format
In-person Field Trip
Cost
No cost for tours, but schools must provide and arrange bus transportation
Grades
Grade 4, Grade 7
Group Size
18–30 students
Language
English
Time of Year
Fall (Sep–Dec), Spring (Apr–Jun), Winter (Jan–Mar)
Setting
Indoor, Outdoor
About This Program
The City of Calgary offers school tours at the Composting Facility and Shepard Landfill, providing students the unique opportunity to observe Calgary's waste management operations in action. Join us for an interactive experience that will motivate students to take impactful steps towards reducing waste.
What to Expect
In the classroom: Waste educators lead students through an interactive exploration of how we all can make a difference to our environment when we think about what we throw away. We include: A virtual tour of the new composting facility. Activities highlighting the 3 R's (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). Actions that contribute to conserving our resources. On the landfill: The Shepard Waste Management Facility bus tour demonstrates how The City of Calgary safely and responsibly manages Calgary's garbage and why our waste diversion programs are so important in reducing the waste going to landfill. We cover: The way a landfill cell is constructed and how it operates. How to use The City’s programs to divert materials from landfill. Why organic matter doesn’t break down in a landfill and should be composted.
Curriculum Connections
Grade 4 and Grade 7 Science Curriculum
Subjects
Topics
Accessibility
Physical Accessibility
Elevator to access 2nd floor classroom at Compost Facility
Neurodiverse Accommodations
Tour participants are welcome to use sensory supports such as noise-cancelling headphones and fidget tools. A tour schedule can be provided in advance to help participants prepare for the experience. Visitors may take breaks as needed and are welcome to attend with a support person. Please contact us before your visit to discuss any accommodation needs.
How to Book
Call 311 to enter the lottery! Waste & Recycling Services randomly selects schools for each session. If your group is selected, you will be contacted following the draw. If your school was not selected for a fall tour, you will be automatically entered into the lottery for a spring tour. Grades 4 - 7: Call 311 now to apply. 1st Deadline: June 1 - Fall session draw (Sept - Dec) 2nd Deadline: September 15 - Spring session draw (Jan - June) Grades 8 - 12: Call 311 to make a request.
Gallery
About the Organization
