Recycling old beverage containers through Jasper’s recycling donation program continues to pay dividends for Jasper’s non-profit organizations.
In April, the Environmental Stewardship Advisory Committee (ESAC) awarded $5,866 to five different organizations, for six different programs and projects, through the Jasper Community Beverage Container Recycling Donation Program.
“These groups fundraise all year so this is just one extra way we can kill two birds with one stone,” said Janet Cooper, the environmental stewardship coordinator for Jasper.
“It’s a total win-win program.”
Launched in the fall of 2010, the program collects used beverage containers from two different recycling depots located in the Jasper Activity Centre parking lot and in the Stan Wright Industrial Park. Both locations are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Fifty per cent of the refunded deposits are donated to local non-profit organizations with the remainder covering the costs to pick up and sort the containers.
To date, the program has recycled 510,508 containers and donated $40,400 to local non-profit organizations.
To qualify for funds, organizations must first be approved to participate in the program by ESAC.
Currently there are 19 organizations participating in the program, which is administered by Cooper.
This year the Friends of Jasper Childcare received $1,500, the largest amount given to an organization.
“This funding will greatly impact the outdoor environment in our yard and give these children a special place to play in all seasons,” said Lisa Daniel, manager of childcare services for the town and a board member with the organization.
The money will be used to build a permanent structure for children that are six to 19-months old. The structure will include a patch of synthetic grass and a shelter to protect children from the elements.
The Jasper Victim Services Unit (JVSU) received $1,000 and will use it to assist victims of crime and trauma.
“Any funds that we are able raise we put directly towards services for victims,” said Paul Schmidt, the JVSU coordinator. “It’s probably in the neighbourhood of $12,000 to $15,000 a year that we spend on hotel accommodations, transportation and meals.”
The Friends of Jasper National Park and the Jasper Community Habitat for the Arts also received $1,000 each.
The Jasper Community Team Society received two grants, worth $866 and $500 each.
For those who want to recover their full deposit, they can visit the privately run Jasper Recycling Depot also located in the Stan Wright Industrial Park. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“At the end of the day what we want is to make sure that no beverage containers go in the garbage,” said Cooper.
Paul Clarke
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