Not everyone can help build a home with Habitat for Humanity, but anyone can participate in Habitat's mission to eliminate substandard housing by recycling cans (and bottles) and donating the proceeds to Greater Worcester Habitat for Humanity. While most people know that recycling helps the environment, many may not be aware that recycling can also help the community by building Habitat for Humanity homes.

Cans for Habitat is a partnership between the Aluminum Association and Habitat for Humanity. Since the Cans for Habitat program began in 1997, nearly 700 participating Habitat affiliates across the United States have recycled more than 12 million pounds of cans. This equates to almost $4.4 million – or 95 houses funded entirely from recycling proceeds! In GWHFH's first month (October 2006) participating in the Cans for Habitat program, we generated $62 in recycled cans. And in our first six months we topped the $400 mark in Cans for Habitat donations.

Getting involved with the Cans for Habitat program is easy:

1. We encourage everyone to recycle cans and bottles in their homes and offices and donate the proceeds to HFH-MW/GW.
2. Students of all levels can set up Cans for Habitat recycling programs in their schools and on college campuses. Cans for Habitat is also a great community service project for teams and scouting/youth groups.
3. Adults can help by establishing Cans for Habitat recycling in their work-places.
4. HFH-MW/GW provides all the needed materials (Cans for Habitat recycling bins and plastic liners) to collect cans and bottles as well as promotional items (posters, signs, magnets, bumper stickers) to help inform others about the program.
5. We especially need volunteers willing to regularly pick up cans at businesses in Central Massachusetts, take them to a redemption center, and donate the proceeds to HFH-MW/GW.

Please note:

1. The Massachusetts beverage container law (or “Bottle Bill”) currently allows glass, plastic, aluminum and bi-metal containers holding carbonated soft drinks, mineral waters, beer and other malt beverages to be redeemed.
2. Beverage containers exempt from the law include wine, dairy products, natural fruit juices, iced tea, bottled water and alcoholic beverage containers other than beer and malt beverages. Any container greater than two gallons in size is also exempt, regardless of the product type.
3. For more information go to http://www.mass.gov/dep/recycle/reduce/bbillcon.htm

If you are interested in getting involved with the Cans for Habitat program, please contact the HFH-MW/GW office at 508-799-9259 or office@gwhfh.org. You can make a difference!