The District offers free field trips, including transportation. To qualify for these, schools must be registered with the District’s Recycling Assistance Program and be willing to submit student reflections after the trip. For more information on how to register with the Recycling Assistance Program, email or call 513-946-7737.
Where Does All the Garbage Go?
Grades: 1–8
Location: Rumpke Landfill and Trailside Nature Center
Offered: Wednesdays in January, February, and March
This two-part trip includes a tour of the Rumpke landfill and a demonstration of recycling in nature at Trailside Nature Center. At Rumpke, students witness up-close views of an active, working landfill and learn the many ways our environment is protected from this mountain of garbage. At Cincinnati Parks' Trailside Nature Center, students participate in an interactive program that includes a hike to observe decomposition, followed by games and activities about recycling, composting, and natural cycles. Ohio Revised Science Standards met available here.
Check back next school year for availability in 2018.
Compost Kids
Grades: K–6, The trip is limited to a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 45 students per day with a minimum of one chaperone per 10 students.
Location: Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati
Offered: 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. in the fall and spring of every year.
Students learn about composting, healthy soil, water conservation, and environmentally friendly gardening from trained docents while participating in a number of hands-on activities. Ohio Revised Science Standards met available here. School groups are welcome to pack a waste free lunch and eat outdoors on the patio after the program..
To see Fall 2017 dates and register, click here.
Don't Trash It!
Grades: 1–8, The trip is limited to a maximum of 50 students per day.
Location: Fernald Preserve and Rumpke Landfill
Offered: Wednesdays in the fall and spring of every year.
Beginning the trip at Fernald Preserve, students will participate in an interactive hike and activities emphasizing nature’s way of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Programming will continue in the LEED platinum certified Visitors Center. Groups are welcome to picnic using the outside shelter before leaving for the Rumpke landfill tour. At Rumpke, students witness up-close views of an active, working landfill and learn the many ways our environment is protected from this mountain of garbage.
This field trip is full. Please check back next school year (2017 - 2018).
Trash Talk
Grades: 9–12
Locations: Rumpke’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and Rumpke Sanitary Landfill
Offered: The field trip is offered 9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Wednesdays in the fall and spring of every year.
Whether you teach Environmental Science, Engineering, Physics, Economics, or Civics, this field trip is a real eye-opening experience for both students and faculty. Groups are welcome to pack a waste free lunch and eat indoors at the MRF before heading to the landfill. The trip requires a minimum of 10 students and is limited to a maximum of 40 students.
Want to make it a full day? You may also visit Fernald Preserve and tour an exhibit including environmental cleanup, ecological restoration and legacy management. Times will be adjusted accordingly.
This field trip is full. Please check back next school year (2017 - 2018).
America Recycles Day at the Zoo
Grades: 1–5
Location: Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
Offered: Friday, November 18, 2016.
Students will use a passport to explore the grounds of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden to learn how recycling helps not only people but creatures all over the world. This field trip is full. Please check back next school year (2017 - 2018).
Municipal Solid Waste Travel Reimbursement Program
Need a Free Bus? You could qualify for bus transportation reimbursement to the landfill, recycling center, or other locations with municipal solid waste education programs. Completed Travel Reimbursement Program applications can be emailed to Jenny.Lohmann@hamilton-co.org or faxed to the District at 946-7779.