Recycling
Contact and Booking Information
Website:
Email:
Telephone:
www.milton-keynes.co.uk/mrf - online booking form
[email protected]
01908 252312
School tours are by prior arrangement with the Waste Education Officer. Written
confirmation of your booking will be sent out by email, along with a risk
assessment and travel directions.
Visit the Recycling Factory
School Tours 2014/15
Materials Recycling Facility
Colts Holm Road
Old Wolverton
Milton Keynes
MK12 5QD
www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/mrf
Available in audio, large print,
braille and other languages
01908 252312
M14308 November 2014
www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/mrf
Visit the Recycling Factory - School Tours 2014/15
Visit the Recycling Factory - School Tours 2014/15
About the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF)
Milton Keynes Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), more commonly known as the
Recycling Factory, is a purpose-built state-of-the-art sorting facility based in Old
Wolverton. Built in 1993, it is one of the largest of its kind in the UK, processing
recycling from Milton Keynes' homes and schools, as well as other areas. The
recycling arrives mixed together and the MRF uses a range of technologies to sort
the recyclable items into their different material types. The sorted recycling is then
baled ready for transportation to factories to be made into new products.
School tours aim to engage and enthuse children in recycling and environmental
issues, and help them to understand how their actions can make a difference. The
MRF has a fully equipped Education Room and tours are free to all Milton Keynes
Schools. Sessions are fun and educational, with Curriculum links to Key Stage 2
Geography, Science and PSHE. The visit can also be used back in the classroom to
support topic work in Literacy, Art and Maths.
2013/14 Quotes from teachers:
“Thoroughly enjoyed the morning. Children were captivated! All
activities were great. They loved the tour and were talking about it still
the next day!”
“A lively, interactive presentation that maintained the students’ interest and
attention throughout. Excellent.”
“The children really enjoyed the visit and feel inspired to recycle more and
pursue recycling further. Adults thought it was great too.”
“The kids and adults had a great time! We had lots of positive discussions about
what we had learnt back at school. Thank you.”
School Tours include:
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Short active presentation about waste issues, environmental issues and clarifies
what goes into the different recycling containers.
Video of the factory machines and how they work
Tour along the gallery walkway in the factory to view the recycling being sorted
by the machinery and staff
Get Sorting! – put on a hard hat and hi-vis jacket and help sort the recycling on
the mini-recycling factory conveyor belt
Recycled Treasure Hunt Quiz – learn about amazing reused and recycled items
from around the world
Messco’s – investigate packaging material types in the mini shop area
Can crushers – bring along aluminium drinks cans to crush
On request, chargeable craft activity: Using recycled plastic beads from Ghana
and thin strips of bicycle inner tube the children can create a unique bracelet to
take home. Charged at 50p per child, please state if you would like to add this
activity when making your booking.
Inside the paper sorting cabin
Visit the Recycling Factory - School Tours 2014/15
Visit the Recycling Factory - School Tours 2014/15
Times
Health and Safety at the MRF
Sessions normally run from 9.45am for two hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and
Thursdays.
General Points
Prices
Milton Keynes Schools – Free
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Group Size
A maximum of 32 children per group, plus a ratio of 1 adult to 8 children minimum.
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A full Risk Assessment will be sent out along with the booking confirmation.
Please wear sensible shoes – no high heels or open-toe shoes.
Follow the instructions of the Education Officer whilst on the viewing gallery.
Keep to the walkways and do not allow children to run or climb up the safety
railing.
Waste Education staff are DBS checked.
In Case of Fire
Teachers are welcome to look around our educational facilities in advance of a
school booking. Please contact to arrange a convenient time.
The fire alarm will sound. Please follow the instructions of the Education Officer or
follow the fire exit signs. Gather at the Fire Assembly point sign in the top corner of
the car park. Do not delay. Do not use the lift.
Information for Disabled Visitors
A lift is available for disabled visitors to access the Education Room and the viewing
gallery. The facility is accessible to wheelchairs. A disabled toilet is available in the
reception area downstairs.
Asthma and Dust
Dust levels in the factory are monitored to ensure they present a low risk. It is not
necessary to wear masks. Asthmatics should bring their inhaler as a precaution.
Hearing Aids, Pacemakers and Magnets
There are powerful magnets within the factory machinery. Please let us know if a
group member has a pacemaker or hearing aid as a matter of precaution.
Inside the recycling factory
Visit the Recycling Factory - School Tours 2014/15
Visit the Recycling Factory - School Tours 2014/15
Toilets
Getting to the MRF
The toilets are limited to one disabled toilet downstairs and one male and one
female toilet upstairs next to the Education Room.
Directions will be sent out along with the booking confirmation.
No Smoking
The whole of the factory, including the external areas is no smoking. The only
exception to this is the car park area at the front of the MRF.
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Visitors are not taken to external areas or the factory floor. Schools and groups are
confined to two areas at the MRF:
Area 1 - Office block and Education Room - No PPE is required for this area.
Area 2 - Viewing gallery - This area requires protection from noise. All visitors are
required to wear ear defenders whilst on the gallery. The MRF is equipped with
child and adult sized ear defenders.
Parking
Look for the Materials Recycling Factory sign with Milton Keynes Council and
Viridor logos.
Coaches and mini buses - Use the entrance marked with the yellow and black
kerb bricks and sign posted ‘Lorries and Coaches Only’ - the coach bay is on the
immediate left.
Cars - Use the entrance marked ‘Cars Only’. The parking bays closest to the building
are allocated for disabled users. Please do not park on the block paved paths.
Disabled transport - There are two disabled parking bays in the main car park
suitable for cars and mini-buses.
Arriving at the MRF
Please remain on or beside your coach and wait to be escorted into the building
by the Education Officer. There may be open windows on the way to Reception
which may cause a hazard. The group leader will be asked to sign-in at reception
and leave a list of children and helpers’ names.
Plastic bottles baled ready for recycling