Habitat for Humanity Chico launches aluminium can drive to boost sustainability

Starting this August, Habitat for Humanity, a global non-profit organisation that partners with people to build affordable housing, sanitation facilities and more, have announced their acceptance of aluminium can donations via ReStore, a retail division of Habitat for Humanity in Chico, supporting sustainability initiatives and community development efforts.

Habitat for Humanity's Butte County branch is leveraging the grant support attained from Novelis and Habitat International, aiding in launching an aluminium can collection initiative to advance recycling and repurposing efforts.

A similar initiative has been previously taken by the non-profit organisation for its local branch in 2023, The Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity (Gihabitat), which has won its second "Novelis Can Grant" for collecting over 18.000 pounds of aluminium cans across 14 locations, including in the Hall, Howard, Hamilton and Merrick counties.

This initiative, spanning two competition rounds from May through July and August through November, underscores the community's commitment to sustainability and affordable housing. The funds raised will directly support the construction of Gihabitat's 113th home, developed in collaboration with the Career Pathways Institute and Grand Island Public Schools. 

The press release stated, "Novelis has shared with Habitat for Humanity affiliates the value of recycling and has supported Habitat's commitment to green building and sustainable construction and is providing recycling bins and monetary grants to help Habitat for Humanity increase neighbourhood sustainability across the US and Canada."

Tracing back to 2023, ReStore participated in an aluminium recycling drive aiming to collect 10,000 pounds by July 31, 2023. The organisation is competing for a USD 6,000 reward, which was again sponsored by Novelis, to support the construction of affordable housing. As of mid-July, approximately 3,000 pounds had been collected to reach 6,000 pounds by the end of the month. This initiative is part of a broader effort involving 100 organisations across the US and Canada. 

The ReStore has its store at 220 Meyers St., in Chico, which offers a drive-through drop-off for aluminium can donations. Donors can also receive a Habitat for Humanity T-shirt while supplies last throughout August.

Also read: Novelis and DRT join forces to drive high-recycled-content beverage can ends globally