For June, we are excited to highlight SWACO as our “Faces of FACCES”. SWACO, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio, serves the community through innovative waste reduction, recycling, and sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the reliance on landfills and creating a healthier environment for future generations.
“We love partnering with organizations, especially at the ground level, that are in the community working with residents. We want to be an assistant and help those organizations because you guys really are the boots on the ground, and we want just to support your efforts in the community,” SWACO Education Specialist Kim Chapman said.
Chapman facilitates tours of the landfills and also handles education efforts within the community to connect Central Ohio residents with practical ways to reduce waste and make more sustainable choices in their everyday lives. Through educational programming, partnerships and public engagement, Chapman and the SWACO team are helping build a more environmentally conscious community.
“Part of what we do is help with businesses and organizations to reduce their own trash, but then also residents as well in their homes, to reduce what they send to the landfill,” Chapman said.
SWACO recently partnered with FACCES to help put on the “Eco-Explorers” event as part of the COSI Science Festival. Their team played an active role throughout the event, helping families and children engage with hands-on sustainability activities focused on environmental stewardship and food systems education.
One of the highlights of the event was SWACO’s vermiculture station, where participants had the opportunity to explore composting and soil health up close. SWACO brought a live worm composting bin filled with composted soil and worms for children to observe using microscopes and magnifying glasses. The station sparked curiosity and excitement as youth learned how worms help break down food waste and contribute to healthy ecosystems.
“We manned the worm bin; so I had microscopes out so we could look at the worms up close and the other organisms that were in the bin… I had a really great time at the event seeing all the little kids, they always love the worms and it’s a really fun experience no matter what, every time we have the worms out,” Chapman said.
We are grateful for SWACO’s partnership and their commitment to educating and empowering the next generation of Eco-Explorers. Together, we are creating meaningful learning experiences that inspire youth and families to care for both their community and the environment.
