News Release
Recycling Pilot Project Aims To Keep Downtown Clean
May 12, 2009
City of Fredericton, Downtown Fredericton Inc. and the John Howard Society are partnering on an innovative pilot project to keep the downtown core free of bottles, cans and waste paper during this summer's tourist season.
Thirteen special recycling bins for refundable plastic and metal containers as well as waste paper products will be placed in strategic locations throughout the downtown core for residents and visitors to dispose of these recyclables.
The City and Downtown Fredericton are providing funding for the John Howard Society to hire an individual who will visit the 13 recyclable containers every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday as well as after any special events held in the downtown area. That person will be responsible for removing and sorting and bagging refundable bottles, cans and waste paper. He or she will also be responsible for cleaning up around the area and maintaining the bins.
A push cart will be provided to return collected recyclables for a refund and the proceeds will help fund the City Voucher program.
The City Voucher Program is a partnership between the Community Action Group on Homlessness, the John Howard Society and Downtown Fredericton Inc. that gives panhandlers an opportunity to do odd jobs for downtown merchants in exchange for vouchers redeemable for food and other necessities from participating stores thus eliminating their need for panhandling in front of businesses.
Representatives from Downtown Fredericton as well as the City's Green Matters initiative, Parks & Trees Division and Fredericton Tourism and the John Howard Society have put this pilot project together. It will run from May 10 to October 20.
"Downtown Fredericton Inc. is pleased to be working with our partners at the John Howard Society and the City of Fredericton to offer this unique recycling program," said Dave Traboulsee, President of Downtown Fredericton, Inc. "The work created through this downtown recycling program will help to continue funding the City Voucher Program, creating meaningful work and lasting results geared towards future self sufficiency."
"This new program will help the John Howard Society provide sustainable funding for the City Voucher program and keep our city green," said Councillor Scott McConaghy, chair of the City's Public Safety and Environment Committee. "I want to thank all our partners in this project for the work they have done getting this project off the ground."
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Media Contact: John White, Communications, City of Fredericton (506) 460-2227.