Habitat for Humanity News Release:
Thunder Bay, ON, June 4, 2015 - In honour of World Environment Day on June 5th, Habitat for Humanity ReStore is urging the community of Thunder Bay to take positive environmental action through the organization’s new Blue Barrel Program. The Program diverts unnecessary waste from the landfill by providing 50-gallon Blue Barrels to those disposing of scrap metal, with free barrel supply and pick-up services. The collected scrap metal is donated to the ReStore to be processed or upcycled, and like all ReStore product, helps to fund local home building projects.
The ReStore accepts all scrap metal, regardless of the material, which is then sorted on-site and brought to Dutchak Recycle and Scrap Metal. 100% of the material’s monetary value is directed to build affordable housing in the region. Tyson Neil, Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay ReStore Manager, says; “June 5th is World Environment Day, which provides a perfect opportunity to educate the community about the Blue Barrel Program. Both initiatives are about celebrating the collective power of individual actions, and how those actions can socially and environmentally benefit our communities. Instead of donating time or money, donating scrap is a simple and unique way to get involved.”
Businesses and residents can get up to three blue barrels at the ReStore’s 660 Squier Street location, which includes community-wide pick-up service. The organization also accepts drop-off donations of any amount of scrap metal.
“It’s the ReStore’s goal to make the donation process as easy as possible through item drop-off and pick-up opportunities, both free of charge,” continues Neil. “The Blue Barrels’ 50-gallon capacity with no personal sorting requirements make it the perfect solution for anyone undertaking summer renovations. It’s easier, cleaner, and faster to donate through the ReStore than to dump materials at the scrap yard or landfill.”
The ReStore also accepts electronic waste including mobile phones, televisions, computers, stereos, and mp3 players. Neil says; “The electronic industry generates up to 41 million tonnes of global ewaste each year, causing further stress on traditional trash and recycling facilities. In addition to scrap metal, the ReStore is proud to accept unwanted electronics to free valuable landfill space and protect our community for years to come.”
Those looking for more information about Habitat for Humanity ReStore’s Blue Barrel Program or ewaste initiative are encouraged to visit www.habitattbay.com/restore or contact Tyson Neil at 346-4884 ext. 207.
