Pickering families looking for something to do on the upcoming PA Day can visit the Durham York Energy Centre (DYEC) in Courtice for a free open house on Monday, Oct. 26.
The Region of Durham is inviting residents to drop by the waste-to-energy facility at 1835 Energy Drive between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to a Region of Durham news release. No pre-registration is required, and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
What happens there
The DYEC processes about 140,000 tonnes of residential garbage each year from Durham and York Region — waste that remains after reducing, reusing, recycling and composting. The Region describes the facility's approach as the five "Rs" of its waste hierarchy: Rethink, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover.
The facility also generates electricity. The Region's Director of Waste Management, Andrew, said in the news release that many visitors are surprised to learn the DYEC produces enough electricity to power its own operations plus roughly 10,000 homes annually.
"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."
The director, identified only as Andrew in the release, said tours and open houses give residents a behind-the-scenes look at what happens to their waste after it is collected at the curb, and a chance to ask questions.
Activities for kids
The event includes hands-on activities such as making buttons and trying on hard hats and safety vests, along with interactive waste sorting games, activity books, colouring pages and photo opportunities. Children can take home items like stickers and temporary tattoos.
Previous PA Day tours have been well received by families, the director said, adding that the visits can spark conversations at home about reducing waste and caring for the environment.
Guided tours of the facility's control room will let visitors view the waste pit and the large crane, known as the "claw" — which the Region compares to a bigger version of an arcade claw machine.
"Another one of the biggest highlights for kids is seeing the claw in action," Andrew said. "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."
Visit details
The site has accessible parking and facility access, and residents of all ages are welcome. Full event details are available at durham.ca/WasteEvents, and more information about the facility is at DurhamYorkWaste.ca.
The Durham York Energy Centre is located in Courtice, an easy drive east of Pickering along Highway 401. For Pickering households, the facility is where the garbage left at the curb after recycling, composting and other diversion programs ultimately ends up.
