Project will teach basics of recycling

Educators and youth-group leaders can sign up for interactive classroom sessions to increase awareness of local recycling and waste reduction options.

In-class presentations tailored for grades K-9 are available through April on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Upon completion, students will receive "Master Recycler" certification.

Landfill tours begin April 18.

Tours will provide background about the science and engineering of managing garbage. Participants will learn about waste reduction, recycling and composting. They will find out how the landfill is expanding opportunities to reduce the amount of trash and how the public can help.

The field trips include one-hour guided tours of the landfill, hazardous waste center and compost garden. There are hands-on activities on recycling, composting and vermiculture composting. The tours are available through May.

Last year more than 800 students participated. Tours and presentations may be scheduled by calling Heidi Fehlhaber, project assistant, at 756-8993.

The public is welcome to take self-guided tours of the compost garden at the landfill.

If interest exists, compost workshops can be scheduled.

The project's goal is to reduce the volume and toxicity of material entering the landfill. Waste Not is a collaborative effort among the Flathead County Solid Waste District, Flathead Valley Community College Service Learning Program, and Citizens for a Better Flathead.