Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #08-322
December 22, 2008
Yukon Government Assists Raven Recycling
WHITEHORSE – The Yukon government will provide financial assistance to Raven Recycling to help it keep operating in the short term, Environment Minister Elaine Taylor announced today.
“We are pleased to work collaboratively with the City of Whitehorse and Raven Recycling to maintain recycling services despite the fall in global commodity prices,” Taylor said. “These funds will give the Raven Recycling board time to develop a new business plan for the 2009-10 fiscal year while maintaining its services to the recycling public, particularly the intake of non-refundable items.”
The Yukon government will provide up to $23,000 a month for January, February and March to assist with Raven Recycling’s operational costs. Usually Raven is able to cover these expenses by selling recycled materials, such as milk jugs and plastic containers, to processors in southern Canada. There is no market, however, for the materials right now.
“Raven is experiencing a significant drop in revenue, as are all recycling companies around the world,” Raven Recycling Society President Bill Slater said. “Both the Yukon and municipal governments have stepped in quickly to offer support. We look forward to working with them to ensure Yukoners always have the opportunity to recycle."
The Yukon government, the City of Whitehorse and Raven Recycling will continue to work collaboratively towards a long-term solution in the coming months.
“Raven Recycling provides an important service to our community, particularly by helping to divert non-refundable items from the city landfill,” Mayor Bev Buckway said.
The City of Whitehorse will provide $3,000 a month starting in January to Raven from the city’s Diversion Credit Fund. The city will also provide $22,000 from the Environmental Grant Fund for a new electrical forklift for Raven which will improve operational efficiency and reduce monthly costs.
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| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand CabinetCommunications 867-633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca |
Nancy Campbell Communications, Environment 867-456-6794 nancy.campbell@gov.yk.ca |