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CVRD and Habitat for Humanity team up to divert waste

Pilot project a step toward zero waste
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Bings Creek is the site of a pop-up donation drop pilot program spearheaded by the Cowichan Valley Regional District and Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island hopes to divert usable building materials and home decor away from the garbage and into the hands of builders. (Citizen file)

A pop-up donation drop pilot program spearheaded by the Cowichan Valley Regional District and Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island hopes to divert usable building materials and home decor away from the garbage and into the hands of builders.

The Pop-Up Donation Drop pilot project will run July 15 and July 29 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bings Creek Waste Management Centre.

“Offering an additional drop-off site for gently used items can simultaneously keep materials out of the landfill, and strengthen our community by reusing them,” said Doug Stevens, the CVRD’s Solid Waste Operations manager. “Through this collaboration, we are trying different ways to divert otherwise usable materials. Sometimes we see large pieces of good-quality plywood and lumber in the wood waste bin that could be used by Habitat for Humanity for local building projects.”

The CVRD’s regional Solid Waste Management Plan aims to improve waste reduction and to create more opportunities to divert would-be waste as a main strategy toward a zero waste goal.

“Enhancing and supporting local reuse opportunities such as the Habitat for Humanity organization transforms waste into a resource and builds resilience in the Cowichan Valley,” said a press release from the two groups. “Habitat for Humanity is proud to partner with the CVRD in this initiative” said Jeff Krafta, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island. “Our ReStores help reduce waste in our landfills while enabling our organization to build much-needed affordable homes in our local community.”

Habitat for Humanity volunteers are taking the lead on the project and will be on site both days to determine material eligibility and ensure that items can be used in building projects or re-sold at the Duncan ReStore.

Donations must be in good, clean working condition; see www.habitatmvi.org/donating-household-goods/ to learn more.

For more information about thow to get involved with Habitat for Humanity, call the Duncan ReStore at 778-455-1888.