Wake County Waste Management Division is excited to offer in-person and virtual presentations on waste-related topics for interested groups. Staff are available to present to schools, scout troops, businesses, places of worship and any other organizations that operate in Wake County. Our presentations are environmental educator led. Each presentation encourages participants to think about their impact on the local environment, providing them with useful information to be better stewards of the Earth.
Planning Your Presentation
We currently offer four popular topics to choose from, at no cost. Presentations are intended for groups with at least 10 participants in the targeted age range. Due to the content and format, these presentations target ages ranging from middle school on up. If your group is interested in a presentation, please select a topic from the drop down list below.
Choose a Topic
Waste Reduction
From most preferred to least preferred, "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" in this order, each step is an important part of the Waste Management Hierarchy. This presentation provides a 45-minute overview on how we can all do our part to prevent and minimize the generation of waste at the source before it exists. Providing useful tips to help anyone reduce their waste at home, school or work. Suggested age range 11+.
Recycling Demystified
Should I wash recycling before throwing it in the recycle bin? Should I leave the cap on? Why can't all plastic containers be recycled, if they have a triangle on the bottom? Learn the answers to all these questions, including how to recycle right and how to recycle more. This presentation provides a 45-minute overview on the whats, the whys and the hows of recycling your waste. Suggested age range 11+.
Backyard Composting 101
So, you're already reducing and recycling your waste, and now you're thinking of trying composting too, but you’re not sure how to start. Composting, put simply, is a process to speed up nature’s way of recycling nutrients, that has been taking place on Earth for millions of years. By bringing together the right ingredients, in the right amounts, you too can make nutrient-rich compost in your own backyard and enjoy the many benefits of composting, such as fertile soil, healthier plants, higher crop yields etc... This presentation provides a 45-minute overview of the basic art and science of backyard composting. Suggested age range 11+.
They Don’t Build Landfills Like They Used To
The South Wake Landfill in Apex, NC disposes of more than 500,000 tons of trash from Wake County residents and businesses each year. This presentation provides a 45-minute overview on how Wake County safeguards the environment and public health by safely disposing of over one million people's garbage; from the planning stages through to post-closure maintenance, learn all about how modern-day landfills are designed and operated. Suggested age range 11+.
Activities for Younger Audiences
We are also available to provide interactive, hands-on activities for younger audiences. If you are interested in activities for younger audiences please email us.
Email: recycling@wake.gov
Request A Presentation
If your group would like to request a presentation, select a topic from the above list, complete this presentation request form. Please allow 48 business hours for a response. Presentations are available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m.