Solid Waste Services

Solid waste educators are available to present environmental topics that are both meaningful and engaging. Activities can be tailored to specific learning goals and grade levels. Check out the programs below and use the online reservation form to request your presentation.

Eco-Story Time with Worm Exploration

(Lesson for Preschool-K lesson)
Learn about one of the planet’s best decomposers – worms! Activity includes an introduction to composting, read-aloud, movement activities, and worm bin exploration.

Eco-Story Time with Recycling Activity

(Lesson for Preschool-K lesson)
Be a recycling superhero at home and in the classroom! Presentation includes an introduction to recycling through storytelling and interactive sorting activities.

Where Does Our Garbage Go?

(Lesson can be modified for grades 3-8)
Explore how Spokane manages garbage at the Waste to Energy facility and the importance of reducing waste and recycling. Learn how we make electricity from an unusual source – trash! Students will test their sorting skills during this fun and interactive session.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

(Lesson can be modified for grades 3-8)
In this interactive lesson, students explore natural resources, waste reduction and why recycling matters. Be a recycling superhero at home and in your classroom. Students will test their knowledge and put their sorting skills into action.

*Due to high demand and staffing limitations, our educators are no longer available to lead paper making activities. However, we have kits with detailed instructions, available to borrow. We are happy to deliver kits as part of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle presentation. Check out our instructional paper making video.

Compost: Nature's Recycling

(Lesson can be modified for grades 3-8)
Not all waste is the same. Learn how managing organic waste through the natural process of decomposition is both fun and good for the environment. Students will learn the recipe for compost and explore some of nature's best decomposer - worms!

River of Waste

(Lesson is for grades 9-12)
This interactive high school lesson introduces upstream and downstream pollution and uncovers the environmental consequences of manufacturing. Students will calculate natural resources, energy consumption, water usage, and overall impacts to people and the planet; revealing the true cost of the things we consume. Students are encouraged to think critically about daily habits and the consequences of a throw-away culture.

Invite Solid Waste Educators to host an interactive table at your upcoming School STEM Night! We offer hands-on, engaging activities that bring real-world environmental science to life in the following STEM focus areas:

• Composting
• Recycling
• Waste-to-Energy

The City of Spokane Solid Waste Division and Blue Door Theatre are teaming up to make waste reduction education fun! Join Captain Recycle and Trash Buster for “The Great Garbage Showdown” - a hilarious, high-energy game show that tests your knowledge of reuse, recycling, and composting. Learn how to make a difference (and maybe even save the planet) in this exciting, interactive assembly experience for elementary students!

Assembly productions are available for City of Spokane elementary schools during the months of October through May, with limited productions provided per school year. Performances are confirmed on a first-come first-served basis so submit your request today!

You may arrange for a representative from the City of Spokane's Solid Waste Department to present at your organizational meeting or event.

Topics include:

• Waste systems in Spokane County and Washington's only Waste to Energy Facility
• Improving waste reduction practices and demystifying recycling
• Organics diversion and composting strategies

To request education materials or schedule a speaker, please contact Jill Reeves at jreeves@spokanecity.org.

Schedule a group tour at Washington State's only Waste to Energy facility and learn how Spokane uses trash as "fuel" to produce electricity. Explore the history of trash in our region and why reducing waste is important.

Groups must be a minimum of 10 participants. Availability is limited.

Join the Spokane County Regional Waste Ambassador Program!

Are you passionate about waste reduction and creating a sustainable future? The Spokane County Regional Waste Ambassador programempowers community members to make a difference through improved practices, ongoing education, innovation, and volunteerism.

This program takes a broad approach to waste reduction, delving into topics like food waste, composting, litter, textile waste, and the climate impacts of materials management. You'll also gain insight into our local waste systems and how to drive meaningful change.

How to Get Started

Register for a one-time orientation and begin your journey to improving the health and well-being of people and the planet.

Program Commitments

• Register for an upcoming Waste 101 – Workshop introducing Spokane's waste system and how to drive meaningful change
• Participate in educational and volunteer activities that align with your interests, schedule, and availability
• Subscribe to the Waste Ambassador monthly newsletter.
• Pledge to share your knowledge with others.

Be a part of the solution – join us in making Spokane a cleaner, greener place to live!

Composting

Visit Spokane County’s Composting Resources page to learn more about home composting strategies and benefits.

Virtual Waste to Energy Tour

Spokane's Waste to Energy (WTE) Facility is part of our community's overall comprehensive solid waste system that encourages recycling and waste reduction—along with the recovery of energy. The facility burns municipal solid waste to recover energy in the form of electricity.
Watch the 360 degree virtual tour below.

For a younger audience, you might enjoy this video instead. This 18-minute video teaches students about the importance of reducing waste, as well as the science of Waste to Energy. Print off this worksheet and test your knowledge while you view the video or afterwards.

Check your answers with this answer key.

This lesson helps students think about how humans impact the environment, how technology can be used to manage waste, and how our region deals with its own garbage locally.