Boomerang Recycled Paint

In 1999 a job training program in Victoriaville Quebec put kids to work on a recycling project. Then the Quebec government put an environmental fee on each can of paint sold to finance its collection and the job training program became an industry. Now over six million pounds of paint are collected each year. It is sorted by type, separated by colour and poured into huge vats to obtain a homogenous blend. It is then filtered, a few additives are put in to control viscosity and it is packaged (nicely) and sold at C$12.95 a gallon, a lot less than new paint. it is available in a range of trendy colours, as latex, alkyd or stains. A million cans of Boomerang paint were sold last year. What a great business model of public and private partnership, and proof that a little money paid up front as a deposit or recycling fee can have a big impact.::Boomerang Paint

Thirsty for more? Check out these related articles:

• What to Do with Old Eyeglasses, Printer Cartridges and Mobile Phones? Charitable Recycling
• Erin Brockovich Speaks Out About Toxic Chemical Policy Reform (Interview)
• Meet Emily "Alix" Fano, Co-Chair of PS 166's Green Committee
• 5 Ways to Reuse Kitchen or Bathroom Cabinets
• Ed Begley, Jr., on Denim Recycling, Solar Cars, and More
• Scientists Search for Loch Ness Monster, Find 100,000 Golf Balls

Boats

Construction

Wind Power

Alternative Energy