Tour bookings for the 2018/2019 school year open on May 1, 2018.
Please note: bookings for the current school year are full. Bookings for 2018-19 will open on May 1, 2018.
School Tour Details
Length: 2 hours (grades 4-12), 2+ hours (post-secondary)
Time: Tours begin at 9:30 am and 12:30 pm
Fee: No charge for schools within Edmonton, $5.50 per student for schools outside of Edmonton (teachers and adult chaperones complementary, invoices are mailed to school post-tour).
Group Size: Limit of 40 participants per tour, including all students, teachers and adult chaperones. Groups larger than 40 must book two tours.
Transportation: Each group must provide a bus for transportation. The bus will stay with the group and transport students to different facilities around the site. There can be a maximum of 40 participants on each bus (for example, a group of 50 students must book two tours and arrive on two busses).
Bookings: Through our online booking system.
Preparing for Your Tour
We want your students to have the best learning experience possible on their tour! To do this, we need your help. Prior to your tour, please:
- Have all students visit the washroom. Washroom availability is extremely limited during the tour.
- Remind students that snacks are not allowed during the tour.
During your tour, please assist your guide in managing your group.
How far in advance should I book my tour(s)?
Tour bookings fill very quickly, especially for fall months (September – December). To get your preferred date, we recommend booking in May, when bookings open.
How many tours can I book at one time?
Our online system allows you to book up to 2 tours at a time. If you wish to book more than 2 tours, you will simply need to create another booking.
I would like to bring two classes at the same time. Is this possible?
Yes. We can run 2 simultaneous tours each morning and afternoon. You will need to book 2 tours and arrive on 2 buses (1 for each class).
I have to cancel or reschedule my booking. How can I do this?
You can cancel or reschedule your tour using our online booking system.
We require three weeks notice of cancellation/rescheduling so that we can open your vacated spot for another group. We reserve the right to refuse future bookings from schools that cancel with less than three weeks notice.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your tour within three weeks of your date, please call us at 780-496-6879.
Does the tour complement the Alberta Program of Studies?
Yes, the tour is designed to complement the Grade 4 Waste and Our World unit. Objectives can be modified to complement other grade levels.
What will we see on our tour?
The tour typically visits 3 facilities on our site:
- The Materials Recovery Facility, which processes recyclables collected in Edmonton’s recycling programs
- The Integrated Processing and Transfer Facility (IPTF), which prepares waste for composting, conversion to biofuels or transfer to landfill
- Global Electric Electronic Processing (GEEP) Alberta, which processes and recycles e-waste, including electronics dropped off at Eco Stations by Edmontonians
You will also see the Cloverbar Sanitary Landfill, which is now closed.
How do I get to the EWMC?
The EWMC is located just off Anthony Henday Drive at 250 Aurum Road NE. See map.
Where should we go when we arrive?
Please check-in at the Administration & Training Facility (Site 100). Your guide will meet you here and begin the tour on your bus.
Are there washroom facilities at the EWMC?
Washroom facilities are extremely limited at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre. Please have students use washrooms before leaving school.
Can my students have a lunch or snack break at the EWMC?
No. We do not have a space available for students to eat lunch or snacks. Please arrange for students to eat before or after your field trip.
Still have questions?
Call us at 780-496-6879. We’ll be glad to help you out!
Before Your Tour
To help prepare your students for their visit, we recommend watching the following videos:
From Garbage to Compost: Shows the process of turning organic waste and biosolids into compost at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre (EWMC).
Recycling Your Old TV: A look at how Global Electric and Electronic Processing Inc. (GEEP) recycles your old TVs, electrical appliances and computers at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre.
Battery Newman - Turn Them In: A catchy little video about taking hazardous waste to the Eco Station.
