Where did recycling begin?  Recycling has been around for thousands of years.  In ancient cultures, people recycled by taking pots, swords, and metal to melt down for new tools and weapons. In War World I and II, paper and metal “Drives” were held to help fund the wars.

Have you ever noticed the “deposit” mentioned on your plastic or can?  Some states require a deposit of five to ten cents to encourage people to return the bottle or can. Monies raised from this collection help divert plastic and cans from the landfills.

SMRCA thanks Bennett Elementary and Sunrise Middle School for their efforts in 2007-2008 (Hungry Green Dumpster Program), when schools participated by collecting recycled materials.  This turned into cash for their schools.  Sponsored by The Gap, SMRCA received Recycling Points in 2007 as well!   The schools collected 21.27 tons of recycled material in 2007, compared to 8.64 tons in 2006, taking fourth place out of 15 schools and deserving recognition and congratulations.

To those who donated old cell phones…THANKS!  The cell phone drive was an environmental project to help gorillas in the forests of the Congo by fighting the mining of (ORE), contained in cell phones.  Thanks to The Galleria Mall, Banana Republic, The Gap, and SMRCA for contributing to this cause.   Call 954-523-6900 and let us know where we can pick up your used cell phones or bring them to our next meeting!

So, Recycle!  It only on takes a second, and you can change our world. 

Ever feel frustrated that many perfectly useful items cannot be recycled — like plastic berry baskets, colorful lids, tubs and containers? Or do you clean out your closets or workshop and find boxes of wonderful, little leftovers and scraps and not sure what to do with them? 

Clean scrap materials can now find a home and a fabulous second life at “Trash to Treasure Creative Reuse Center”, a new not-for-profit organization in Fort Lauderdale. These materials are “captured” from businesses and the community, warehoused, sorted and organized, and made available to anyone who’s interested — teachers, artists, parents, kids — for creative and educational purposes.

Got a school project for science, social studies, or art?  Need to decorate for a party? Need a new quilt, curtains or costume? Imagine it and make it! An abundance of exciting materials is waiting to be transformed into your new project at Trash to Treasure. By reusing and recycling, you are reducing consumption and softening your footprint on Earth.

Businesses can consider sponsoring local teachers with a Trash to Treasure membership. For only $60 a year members receive 12 visits and unlimited quantities of materials. Research shows that Florida teachers spend an average of $900 a year out of their own pocket to provide supplemental materials to their classrooms. Your donation is tax deductible!

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Friday 2p.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday 10a.m. - 3 p.m.
Or By Appointment