May 20, 2022
Youth help divert metal waste from landfills
How does metal recycling at the ReStores work?
In 2021, the Comox Valley and Campbell River ReStores helped divert a total of 727,955 pounds of metal through their metal recycling program!
This spring, the Comox Valley ReStore had the pleasure to work with four very enthusiastic youth. They chose Habitat to complete their graduation requirements by volunteering with us. While they were at the store, they had the chance to try out different store sections and learn some new skills! They got hands-on experience with sorting merchandise and yard work and got to experience how we minimize waste from the landfills through our metal recycling program. In the recycling room, they learnt the difference between the manufactured materials and helped us deconstruct, sort and recycle many of the items that would typically go into landfills. They stripped away the valuable metals attached to non-working appliances, electronics, scrap metal and other odds and ends that come into the ReStore.
Our regular volunteers will typically do various tasks, including stripping electrical cords from fridges, washers/dryers, and stoves; organizing and sorting random metal into its appropriate bins; breaking down items to collect valuable metal and help with general cleanup around the receiving area.
By sorting and separating the high-value metal from scrap metal, we generate revenue that goes towards building homes. We are very excited to get shovels in the ground and start our build project on 1375 Piercy Ave. in Courtenay.
We couldn’t do what we do without our wonderful volunteers! We are so grateful for the interest this young group expressed in volunteering with us.
If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering, please reach out to us! Find more volunteer information and opportunities here.
