The 2011 version of Earth Day was a memorable one for SARCAN.
The recycler had a lot of reasons to celebrate this year. Five billion to be exact.
SARCAN's monumental five billionth beverage container was recycled April 20 in Regina by the Laura Ross, minister of Government Services.
Environment Minister Dustin Duncan says the government of Saskatchewan is committed to working with communities, local organizations and businesses to address the province's environmental issues.
"Because of SARCAN and the important work that they have done over the past 23 years, virtually everyone in our province has the opportunity to reduce waste and participate in protecting our environment," Duncan said.
Five billion containers in weight is 253,500 tonnes of materials that have been turned into useable products instead of going into the waste stream. Glass gets turned into reflective beads used in road paint and milk jugs can get turned into plastic bins and patio furniture. Aluminum cans and plastic bottles keep coming back as the same product, in as little as 60 days.
The opportunities created at SARCAN go beyond environmental protection. Economic development and employment creation are also essential components of SARCAN's "Three E's" mandate.
"We would not be where we are today without the dedication of our employees," said Amy McNeil, SARCAN's executive director. Six-Hundred and twenty-five people work at SARCAN, earning competitive wages, benefits and a pension. Creating equal opportunities through affirmative employment has been one of SARCAN's core values since beginning in 1988. The 71 Saskatchewan depots, including a location here in Estevan, are run by SARCAN and community based organizations that are members of the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres.
"Our depots have become an established part of communities all over the province," said McNeil. "Staff constantly demonstrate that strong sense of community at the local level; over $300,000 has been raised in the depots for Telemiracle and other Saskatchewan charities."
Ninety per cent of SARCAN's $20 million dollar operating budget stays right here in the province.
In recent years, SARCAN has expanded to include recycling for end-of-life electronics and used paint. "It is a true Saskatchewan success story," added McNeil, "and it just keeps getting better."
