CALGARY – A local charity that distributes food to thousands of Calgarians in need says the new recycling deposit on milk containers will cost it more than $40,000 this year.
The Calgary Inter-Faith Food Bank plans to distribute about 160,000 containers of milk this coming year through various programs.
The problem is that once the milk goes out the door–and into the hands of a person or family in need–the organization can’t retrieve the containers and return them for a refund at the bottle depot.
"It just turns into a straight cost for us," said Nollind van Bryce, manager of communications and resource development with the food bank.
The recycling deposit of 25 cents for milk containers greater than one litre was brought in by the province on June 1.
Given the enormous amount of milk the food bank buys and distributes every year, the deposit will cost the charity about $43,000 this fiscal year, van Bryce said.
"It puts pressure on us to look for new partners, to support programs, to make sure we do get costs covered," he said, adding the organization works on a balanced budget.
"Our position now would be ‘We can do this, but it is an expense, for sure.’ "
He said the best scenario for the food bank would be an exemption from paying the deposit, although he doesn’t believe that’s possible.
The alternative, he said, is for someone involved in the process to make a donation that would cover the cost.
"At some level, some organization has the ability to assist local food banks," van Bryce said.
Alberta Environment said it can’t provide exemptions for non-profit groups on the milk container deposits.
Spokesman Trevor Gemmell said the best bet for a charitable organization looking for a rebate is to work out something with their milk manufacturer.
"Non-profits may approach the dairy manufacturer to see if they would be willing to waive the deposit," Gemmell said.
He noted the milk deposit was brought in because the rate of return for containers and cartons was quite low and the province wanted to boost recycling.
Van Bryce said the food bank needs to receive $5 million worth of money donations this year, and $20 million worth of food donations.
Demand for the food bank, he said, has risen 74 per cent from September 2007.
Calgarians, he added, have responded to that need with more donations.
"Honestly, Calgarians are great," van Bryce said.
rcuthbertson@theherald. canwest.com
Comments