Explore the facility which handles roughly a quarter of the region’s garbage, converting waste into electricity and recovering recyclable metals.
Waste-to-Energy Facility Tours for Schools will be
suspended in 2025 due to ongoing updates at the facility.
Facility tour details
- Grade level: Grades 5
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Location: Metro Vancouver Waste-to-Energy Facility, 5150 Riverbend Drive, Burnaby
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Availability: This facility tour is currently suspended
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Duration: 2.5 hours
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Number of participants: 30 students maximum
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Cost: The facility tour is free
Facility tour description
Metro Vancouver is responsible for waste reduction and recycling planning, and managing the waste generated by residents and businesses in our region. On this engaging tour, students will visit the Waste-to-Energy Facility to explore solid waste management, waste reduction, sustainability, and the daily choices that we make in our region. Students will leave familiar with unique careers in sustainability and inspired to rethink and reduce waste at home and at school.
Waste-to-Energy Facility – Overview
Cancellation policy
Cancellations requested within two weeks of the field trip will be charged a $75 bus cancellation fee. If you ask to cancel the trip with less than 24 hours’ notice, you will be charged the full cost of the trip.
Planning for your facility tour
It is not possible for classes to remain onsite post-tour (for lunch or for other post-tour activities).
In the weeks before and after your tour of the Waste-to-Energy Facility we encourage you to facilitate activities that support students to explore the problem of waste, and to begin thinking about how waste is managed in our region.
Safety and accessibility
Participation in the Waste-to-Energy Facility Tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility or a severe fear of heights; the tour includes ascending and descending multiple sets of metal grate stairs. The facility tour will be challenging for those who are sensitive to loud noises, flashing lights, and strong scents. Please let us know if your program has any inclusion needs. We will do our best to accommodate them but there are some aspects of the tour we cannot adjust.
Upon confirmation of booking, two important forms will be sent to you, for you to collect upon completion and bring to the field trip. Each student participant must complete the Metro Vancouver Facility Tour – Informed Consent Form (For minors age 18 or younger). Each adult participant must complete the Metro Vancouver Facility Tour Waiver – Liability Release Form.
Tour participants must wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, and closed-toe shoes, and adhere to all facility safety instructions which will be provided by the tour leader. Safety equipment such as helmets, vests, gloves, and eye and ear protection will be provided.
Programs take place in all weather conditions, unless deemed unsafe by Metro Vancouver. While all effort will be made to give notice of changes before the day of programming, last minute changes can sometimes occur. Cancellations by Metro Vancouver will be refunded or rescheduled as time allows.
Curriculum connections
This facility tour meets grade-specific curriculum. Contact us to discuss options for facilitating solid waste education for other grade levels.
Resources