Raven Recycling to shut down Whitehorse drop-off bins

Raven Recycling is shutting down its recycling drop-off bins in Whitehorse in two weeks.

Executive Director Joy Snyder says Raven has provided the drop-off bins for 22 years. She says the problem is funding.

Snyder says bottle container regulations cover 10 percent of the total volume of the products that Raven recycles.

She says the Yukon government has announced changes to the regulations.

But Snyder says they're not expected to be implemented for at least 12 months.

“We have approached the city and the Yukon government and asked them if they would provide assistance to the recycling processors, to both processors, until these big framework programs come into place and they have not committed to that.”

In all, Snyder says diversion credits, from the city and territorial governments, cover less than half the cost of processing recyclables like cardboard, paper and plastics.

She also says people who use the drop off recycling service now, should make sure local politicians know they'll miss it.

“The drop off will be closed on October 15th. You know, I am sorry that this is happening and that it's inconvenient for people. And I hope the call the minister of community services or the mayor of Whitehorse.”

Snyder says she hopes the public will continue to bring in their beverage containers to Raven for a refund.

Its PaperSave and scrap metal recycling programs will continue as well as the re-use store, computers for schools, school tours and Zero Waste education campaign.

There is a recycling depot at P&M Services and at the city landfill. The Yukon Blue Bin Recycling Societyalso picks up recycling.