• Carroll County Solid Waste Management Commission
  • Crawford County Area Solid Waste Agency
  • Guthrie County Solid Waste Recycling Agency
  • Shelby County Area Solid Waste Agency

Education

Education for a Cleaner Future

At the West Central Iowa Solid Waste Management Association, we are dedicated to promoting environmental responsibility through education. From reducing waste to proper disposal and sustainable practices, our goal is to empower communities with the knowledge to make smart, eco-conscious decisions.

Through hands-on learning and community engagement, we aim to inspire action and create long-term positive change. Whether you’re looking to host an educational event or bring sustainability into your classroom or organization, we’re here to help.

Education Requests

Recycling & Landfill Education for All Ages

Educational programs are available for student, community, and civic groups within the West Central Iowa Association service area. Whether in person or virtual, we deliver recycling and landfill lessons to educate students of all ages.

  • In-person or virtual options
  • Tailored for all age groups
  • Engaging, real-world lessons

Schedule A Facility Tour!

Explore, Learn, and Make a Difference!

West Central Iowa Solid Waste Management Association offers guided facility tours for schools, community groups, and organizations interested in learning more about waste management, recycling, and landfill operations. Our tours provide an up-close look at how we handle waste responsibly and promote sustainability within our communities.

What You’ll Learn:
  • The journey of waste from disposal to processing
  • How recycling reduces landfill impact
  • Sustainable waste management practices
Book a Tour

EDUCATIONAL LESSON PLANS

Video

Recycling: In The Classroom

Kindergarten – 4Th Grade

  • Teachers & Students will learn how to set up a recycle station in their classroom
  • Images & details of what can be recycled are included
  • Contact us and we will design personalized school mascot recycle labels for use in your school & labeling classroom recycle bins

Learn More

Lesson Plan With Video

Recycling: Remarkable R’s

Kindergarten – 2nd grade

  • Students will gain knowledge of product packaging and will be able to differentiate which materials are recyclable and which materials belong in the trash.
  • Students will understand that many items can be remade or recycled and identify recycle bins and their locations in the classroom.

Learn More

Lesson Plan With Video

Earth Protectors: Lessons From A Landfill

Kindergarten – 4Th Grade

  • Students will gain knowledge of how a landfill is built and filled to protect the earth, water, air, people and animals.
  • Students will understand where their trash goes and how it gets there.
  • Students will be encouraged to be earth protectors by learning to reduce, reuse and recycle

Learn More

Lesson Plan With Video

Recycling: Our House is Round

2nd – 4th grade

  • Students will gain knowledge of product packaging and will be able to differentiate which materials are recyclable and which materials belong in the trash.
  • Students will understand that many items can be remade or recycled and know locations of recycle bins in the classroom.

Learn More

Lesson Plan With Video

Recycling

Middle/High School

  • Students will gain knowledge of product packaging and will be able to differentiate which materials are recyclable and which materials belong in the trash.
  • Students will understand that many items can be remade or recycled. Some are recycled in the curbside recycle program and others are recyclable in the programs available at local Transfer Stations, the Carroll Recycle Center or the local Salvage Yard.

Learn More

Lesson Plan With Video

Landfill

Middle/High School

  • Students will explore the history of garbage disposal, from open dump sites to the state and federally regulated landfills of today.
  • Students will gain knowledge of the engineering standards required to build a state of the art landfill.
  • Students will understand daily management of the landfill facility and the importance of preserving the earth as well as landfill space.

Learn More

We Invite Educators To Use Our Free Lessons In The Classroom and Follow Up With A Tour Of Our Facility.

Call us at 712-792-5001

or

Submit an Education Request