A Lot of Junk, A Lot of Fun

“This is the beginning of a new era in recycling education,” declared Burbank City Council member Bill Wiggins last week as he helped unveil “Recyclamania,” the city’s new interactive exhibit.

It’s a dazzling example of what can be done with a pile of junk. “Recyclamania”--at the Burbank Recycle Center, 500 S. Flower St.--features a ceiling-high “learning tree” and a walk-in compost bin constructed entirely from cans, bottles, bedsprings, phone books, clothes and other discards.

The learning tree’s panels open to reveal an educational display on a computer, video screens and a microscope observing worms at work. Nestled in its aluminum can leaves, a plexiglass road carries two recycling trucks buzzing along their routes.

Inside the glowing compost bin, leaves and grass gradually “decompose” into fresh soil, aided by fungi, bacteria and animated flies. Designed and constructed by artists Ted Baumgart and Kreigh Hampel, “Recyclamania” enlarges a user-friendly center that has attracted visitors from around the world since it opened in 1992. Information: (818)-238-3900.