While recycling centers are closing down across various areas in the US due to lower aluminium and scrap prices and falling demand, Boy Scout Troop 27 of Fredericktown has been helping people to recycle their used aluminium cans.While Troop 27 has been collecting aluminium cans from individuals, on a small scale to provide for a part of the cost of utilities for the troop. Now they have expanded their collection drive to the community.
"It helps the scouts pay for expenses and learn a sense of responsibility, but it also helps the community by continuing to provide a recycling option," " Troop Leader Deena Ward said.
Ward said that they are starting the program on a smaller scale and it will only be accepting used aluminium cans for the time being.
According to the 2015 data from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), about 54.9 per cent of used aluminium cans were recycled in the U.S. and almost half of all aluminium cans used were dumped into the landfills.
She urged the community to set their used soda cans aside for the scouts for recycling.
"Just over a hundred years ago, aluminum was considered rare and expensive," Ward said. "The rate of which we recycle cans has been steadily increasing over the years but the rate is still only at a little over half of the total supply."
She said her troop is serious about raising awareness on recycling.
"Scouts ranked Life and above will be responsible for collecting and emptying out the containers, teaching them responsibility but also that a scout is resourceful," Ward said. "Taking the opportunity to use another persons 'trash' to help pay their way to camp is a great way to show that."
The program according to her, will teach the scouts a number of things like financial responsibility, community service and environmental awareness. Troop 27 will be collecting aluminium cans at different locations around Fredericktown and they also welcome drop-offs.
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