5th class and St. Tola’s Green School’s Committee, along with Green Schools co-ordinator Ms. Connolly, visited Shannon Recycling Centre on Monday, February 20th. We were greeted by Ger and Nora who brought us around the recycling centre and showed us everything that can be brought there. We also learned where these recycled materials go when they leave the depot. The recycling centre accepts batteries, paint, cooking oil, engine oil, green waste, timber, plastic, cardboard, tin, metal, electrical goods, clothes and glass. Nearly all of our recyclable waste is exported to other countries like Germany and China. Ireland does not have the facilities to use our recyclable products for other purposes. Ger congratulated St. Tolas for being a very Green school but he also asked us to think about if we could use recyclable  materials for other purposes or give unwanted toys, clothes and electrical items to people who might have value in them, like the homeless or other charity organisations.

Some very important information that we learned was to make sure we wash out all recyclable materials before we recycle them, or else they can’t be used as they will be contaminated.

Thanks Ger and Nora for having us and for a very interesting tour!!