Aug. 26, 2026
At the Re:Source facility, Marion County educators have access to fun and engaging field trips where students learn how waste management works and what they can do to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Sharing Our Passion for Education
Walk into our education room and you might find Community Relations and Recycling Specialist Kennedy Jantzi leading a troop of kids, each wearing a pint-sized, bright yellow hard hat and an orange safety vest, through several stations dedicated to teaching them about responsible waste management.
“My favorite thing is seeing their curiosity and excitement,” says Kennedy. “Growing up, I enjoyed working with children and had a passion for teaching, so leading student groups allows me to incorporate a little piece of that into my role.”
For each tour, Kennedy works with teachers to customize the experience based on the number, ages and interests of their students, with activities that can be adjusted to meet specific learning objectives. It’s a collaboration that makes learning about waste both fun and impactful.
What to Expect from a Re:Source Field Trip
Things typically begin in front of the large observation windows that overlook our facility. There, students and teachers get to see the trucks and sorting machinery at work before watching an animated video about Re:Source and the importance of recycling.
From there, the kids break into groups for hands-on activities like creating upcycled crafts from repurposed materials or sorting items like egg cartons, plastic bags and yogurt tubs from a hand-cranked conveyor belt into trash and recycling bins. All designed to teach students what they can do at home to help reduce waste.
After lunch the students gather for final discussion and questions before heading back to school, each with a small giveaway item as a reminder of what they learned.
Learning for Everyone
Beth Shamel, a third-grade teacher at Englewood Elementary brought her class to Re:Source last April. “It was one of the best field trips I’ve been on in a while!” she said, noting the benefit of having Re:Source as a local option for engaging students outside the classroom. “I liked that it wasn’t a long, all day trip and the kids stayed busy the whole time. The stations were just right for our students [and] they absolutely loved the conveyor belt!”
And it’s not just the kids who benefit from Kennedy’s sorting demonstrations. “I personally learned so much about what should and shouldn’t go in each bin,” said another group leader. “I realized I’ve been doing quite a few things wrong without even knowing. It was really eye-opening and valuable information.”
“It was one of the best field trips I’ve been on in a while! The facility was centrally located, clean, modern, and kid friendly! I liked that it wasn’t a long, all day trip and the kids stayed busy the whole time.”
Beth Shamel, 3rd Grade Teacher, Englewood Elementary
Reducing Waste: A Community Effort
Teaching our community about what happens to their waste, and how they can help make sure less ends up in the landfill, doesn’t just support sustainability today – it helps inspire the next generation of leaders to innovate for the future.
“Most people don’t know what happens to their materials after they put them out at the curb,” says Kennedy. “By seeing the process firsthand and participating in hands-on activities, visitors can better understand why it matters to put the right material in the right place.”
Interested in booking a field trip?
Fill out the request form on our education page and we’ll be in touch to create the perfect learning experience for you and your students!
Categories: Education, Recycling
Share
