Join the journey of transforming waste into energy at the Durham York Energy Centre PA Day event

While students may be out of school during PA Days, the learning (and fun) doesn’t have to stop. You can turn your kids’ upcoming PA Day on October 26 into a day of discovery by dropping by the Durham York Energy Centre (DYEC) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a free, fun-filled visit with activities to learn about how we turn household waste into valuable resources and energy for the future.

The DYEC is a waste management facility that operates right here in Durham in the community of Courtice. It safely processes 140,000 tonnes (that’s the weight of roughly 23,000 elephants!) per year of residential garbage from Durham and York Region that remains after making the most of other waste diversion programs such as reducing, reusing, recycling and composting. Tours at the DYEC can help people learn about the five “Rs” of our waste hierarchy (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover).

“Offering tours and open houses, like this upcoming PA Day event, give our residents the chance to see the DYEC for themselves, ask questions and get a behind-the-scenes look at what happens to their waste after it’s collected at the curb,” says Andrew, Director of Waste Management for the Region of Durham's Works Department. “These visits help people better understand how waste is managed in Durham Region and how their everyday choices can help reduce waste.”

These tours can be especially enjoyable for families with children. “Previous PA Day tours have been very well received by families,” Andrew continues. “Hands-on activities, such as making buttons and trying on hard hats and safety vests, add to the experience and are often a highlight for our younger visitors. The tours can inspire continued conversations at home about waste reduction and caring for the environment.”

Families can also expect to enjoy interactive waste sorting games, activity books, colouring pages and photo opportunities, plus get take-home items like stickers and temporary tattoos.

Informational displays and guided tours of the DYEC control room will also give attendees the chance to view the waste pit and the large crane (also known as the ‘claw’). To some visitors, the crane looks like a bigger version of a claw machine that you might find at an arcade.

“Another one of the biggest highlights for kids is seeing the claw in action,” Andrew shares. “They’re often amazed by its size and enjoy watching it lift and move waste before feeding it into the boilers. For many visitors, the claw is the most memorable part of the tour.”

Residents of all ages can discover the value of the DYEC and how it can support their local community through the useful resources it produces, like electricity. “Many guests are surprised to learn that the DYEC generates enough electricity to power its own operations and approximately 10,000 homes annually,” Andrew explains. “Seeing how waste is transformed into energy helps visitors understand that materials which can’t be reused, recycled, or composted can still be put to good use."

So, if you’re looking for a way to create a fun and memorable learning experience for the upcoming PA Day on October 26, join us at the DYEC (1835 Energy Drive in Courtice). The location has accessible parking and facility access. Please note, all kids must be accompanied by an adult. No pre-registration is required, so drop by when you can from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For full event details, visit durham.ca/WasteEvents. To learn more about the DYEC, visit DurhamYorkWaste.ca. For more information on waste collection in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/Waste.