Case studies
31 Dec 2019
by Natasha Prior
Two women wearing hard hats, one holding a HODs hand held flag and opening a viewing hatch to an incinerator. The other women looks in in amazement.
'One of the most fascinating and exciting places I have ever visited.' - A tour was the highlight of Georgian European Heritage Days coordinator, Salome's exchange visit in 2019. (© Chris Lacey)

Why we take part

We run visits so that members of the public can come and see what we do here, ask questions and see the plant in action. It means that visitors can have discussions with us (and each other) about recycling, energy recovery and the waste hierarchy. 

During the year we have lots of visits from local community groups, professional groups and schools but not everyone belongs to something like this. Our events are always popular, well attended and very much enjoyed by the staff also. We get lots of questions and interesting discussions taking place!

What we do for HODs

2019 Event directory description: Come along and explore how your black bin waste is turned into energy that powers 16,000 homes! Peterborough City Council is now able to divert up to 95% of its non-recyclable waste from landfill and this is your chance to lift the lid and see the science behind what happens when you take out your rubbish bin. 

 

We take visitors behind the scenes for a tour exploring our state-of-the-art facility which turns residual waste into energy.

Industrial metal piles with blue wheels that open valves. A pink H Open Heritage Open Days Poster.
So what happens if we turn these? (© Chris Lacey)

The difference it's made

  • The people that come to our Heritage Open Day events are not necessarily part of a local group so it allows couples, friends or individuals the chance to visit along with others, like themselves, who have an interest in what we do.
  • Each year the events confirm that people have a great interest in the recycling and waste management sector.
  • The visits also give the opportunity for staff members not usually involved with visits to be asked questions and get involved with discussions.
A group of visitors with their back to us, wearing hi-vis jackets being shown how the waste is gattered through a glass window.
This is where the waste is first gathered and scanned. (© Chris Lacey)

Best bit

My favourite moments are always at the end of the tours when the visitors are asked if the site and tour was what they were expecting, most people come with preconceptions which are not always correct. I am always surprised by people’s thirst for knowledge, it is fantastic to have so many questions and to help answer them. Visitors go away having learned new information and are keen to pass it on to their friends and families, it always helps to spread the word about our visits too. 

Natasha's top tip!

Work with others and share communication opportunities. If participants have options and see different events available that are close to each other or in the same city, it will help them plan their time. Our events are enjoyed by visitors and staff members alike so everyone takes something away from the day.

Looking up in a large building, the view obstructed by various silver metal poles going in different directions.
An extraordinary industrial space. (© Chris Lacey)

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