Rossland Refactory project: an update
By Contributor
Creating Products from Waste –Community Based Recycling
The Rossland Refactory is a project of the Kootenay Outdoor and Environmental Learning Society whose mission is “to provide for a more environmentally sustainable future for residents of Rossland and the surrounding area by influencing the habits, policies and actions of citizens, government and industry through education and action.”
A Facility Built by the Community for the Community
The Rossland Refactory is meant to be a focal point for the community. Its main purpose will be to make products that are sold locally from community waste. This will reduce the carbon footprint of the community through reduced transportation of waste and recycled products.
All the money generated from waste recycled by the Rossland Refactory will stay within the community.
The facility will offer hands on education related to the environment, in conjunction with other educational institutions in the area. In conjunction with the Selkirk Technology Access Centre (STAC) it will provide the technology and expertise for local entrepreneurs to develop new products from recycled waste.
The arts community will have a place where they can produce art from recycled materials. The community has supported the idea both financially and in kind.
The Seven Rs of the Rossland Refactory:
Rethink – We are rethinking the way waste is recycled. Collecting and producing product locally removes the carbon footprint of transportation of raw and processed material, and products.
Repurpose – We are repurposing shipping containers in our building design.
Recycle – We are recycling 100% of the waste collected and turning it to products that are sold locally.
Reuse – Most of the shelving and furniture within our building will not be purchased new. Some of the material used in building our machines is from scrap yards or the Restore.
Repair – We are repairing an existing shredder.
Rot – We will have large drum composters at our facility to compost community organic waste and use it to grow vegetables on site.
Reduce – The amount of wasted raw material that is commonly associated with recycling will be reduced. We also will eliminate the fuel used in transportation of materials and products.
Accomplishments to Date:
· $4,300 raised within the community
· Shredder, injection, and briquette machines built
· 40-foot shipping container purchased
