Nickels that add up…Make a difference... One can at a time - Companies and organizations: join the movement!

QUÉBEC, Nov. 15, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - For National Philanthropy Day, Consignéco plans to give life to the deposit return social movement by encouraging Québec businesses to make a difference for organizations in need... one can at a time. Consignéco plans to promote promising partnerships by proposing a new driver that companies can use to improve their environmental performance while supporting a noble cause.

Nearly 400 million refundable cans are not returned annually at an opportunity cost of just under $21 million. Meanwhile, thousands of community groups are struggling to carry out demanding missions and go to great lengths to diversify their sources of financing for their own survival. Consignéco's initiative can be part of the solution.

"We want to encourage networking, prompt get-togethers and especially encourage companies to join the deposit return social movement. What we propose above all are innovative win-win partnerships that benefit both the environment and a cause they hold dear in a single stroke," noted Consignéco spokesperson Pascale Demers.

THE DEPOSIT RETURN SOCIAL MOVEMENT SERVES THE ENVIRONMENT
Studies show that important numbers of returnable containers are lost every year in institutions, businesses and industries. These same groups seek additional resources to manage their waste material. With our proposed tool, the nickels can add up to support any of Québec's 8,000 organizations and 16,000 foundations.

Deposit-return is particularly effective for reducing waste and relieving Québec of nearly 325,000 tonnes of material every year, the equivalent of one-third of all recovered residential waste. Add to this that deposit return system recycle 100% of the material, giving a second life to returned containers in just 60 days.

DEPOSIT RETURN: A POWERFUL FINANCING TOOL! 
A field study conducted by Consignéco shows that a well-orchestrated collection can be very profitable. In some cases, it can haul in close to $4,000 in a single day.

To equip organizations, simplify their efforts and provide a wealth of tips and tricks, Consignéco offers a revamped website with an interactive map to geolocate groups and organizations likely to accept refundable cans. In addition, Consignéco offers a free philanthropic kit at www.consigneco.org that helps groups use deposit return to generate financing and efficiently structure their charity campaigns.

"Clearly, for community organizations and groups, a well-run campaign for collecting refundable beverage containers can be a promising source of financing. For companies that donate their refundable empties, giving will never be so easy and pays off in so many ways! It is proof that we can make a difference... one can at a time," concluded Ms. Demers.

Note that the refund for deposit is an amount paid in full the moment the beverage container is returned. Therefore, consumers pay nothing to return their beverage containers and they do a good deed for the environment.

ABOUT CONSIGNÉCO
Established in 2011, Consignéco is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the economic, ecological and social value of deposit-return in order to encourage people to return their redeemable beer containers to retailers. This association, the result of an agreement between Québec's brewers and RECYC-QUÉBEC, brings together members of Québec's brewing industry, including Labatt Breweries of Canada, Molson Coors Canada, the Coalition of Québec Beer Distributors, Sleeman Unibroue, and the Québec Microbrewery Association. Your empties are valuable: redeem them! www.consigneco.org

FACT SHEET

DID YOU KNOW...

• Each year, 1.2 billion non-refillable containers have to be recovered?
• Of these, over 390 million refundable cans, worth about $21 million, are not returned?
• If you were to lay end-to-end a full years' worth of empty cans not returned in Québec, they would circle the world and then some?
• Nearly nine out of ten Quebecers (88%) say they return their empties?
• 325,000 tonnes of material is collected through deposit return annually?
• Deposit return means no need to sort, no landfill, no sorting centre? Recycling is the only step and 100% of the material is recovered!
• The recovery rate for 5¢ cans is over 67%? For 20¢ cans, it is 92%.
• Over 10,000 tonnes of aluminum worth $15 million are recovered through deposit return?
• With the deposit return system, cans can be recycled infinitely often and typically start their new life after only 60 days?

HOW TO ORGANIZE AN EFFECTIVE COLLECTION

• Did you know that an active collection of returnable containers can bring in $4,000 in a single day?
• Active or passive collecting: the choice is clear! Going door-to-door is the best way.
• Show your colours: promote your cause or mission. Wear an identifiable insignia, such as a marked tee-shirt or vest, and customize the collection vehicles.
• Communicate, communicate, communicate: relay your message, use advertising, social media and word-of-mouth.
• Choose the right time: door-to-door collection is done mainly in spring and fall in preparation for summer and winter activities. But collecting right after major events or festivals is also very successful: Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Canada Day, Thanksgiving and Easter. Who's up for it?
• Preparation is key when organizing a successful collection: assigning responsibilities, sorting, temporary storage, mobilizing volunteers, attention to detail!
• The Phénix de Québec soccer club understood this well. It hauled in nearly $3,000 in just one day. Let their video inspire you: https://vimeo.com/53520797

SOURCE: Consignéco

Alexandre Boucher
Senior Consultant
NATIONAL Public Relations
Tel: [phone] ext. 235
Cell: 418-446-7783
Email: [email protected]