News
28th February 2023
Raven announces new operational plans for 2024
Whitehorse – To help ensure a more comprehensive collection service in Whitehorse, in concert with the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, Raven Recycling Society (Raven) will be changing its operations. The Territory’s primary recycling processor will no longer receive materials through its 24/7 public drop-off (the bins that receive plastics, paper, cardboard, etc.) after December 31, 2023. All other services currently offered at Raven, such as the bottle depot, metals, textiles and e-waste recycling, will continue.
With EPR on the horizon, Raven Recycling leadership has chosen what it believes to be the most responsible path: without a city-wide collection system, the ability of Whitehorse citizens to divert material from the landfill has stalled. Raven has done as much as it can to provide access to recycling. Raven Recycling Society is now stepping aside, thereby enabling government to take the lead on collection services. EPR has been implemented in most Canadian provinces: Yukon will be the first territory to enact this important environmental legislation.
“The success of Raven’s public drop-off system has delayed the development of a more effective, government-run city-wide collection program, accessible to all Whitehorse residents”, states Jacqueline Bedard, president, Raven Recycling Society
Raven currently receives material for processing through a number of uncoordinated collection systems including a private curbside collection company, the commercial sector through various waste haulers, the City’s landfill, all Yukon community depots and through the 24/7 public drop-off in Whitehorse. Whitehorse is one of the last Canadian cities without a city-wide blue box program.
“We are hopeful that there will not be a gap in collection in the Whitehorse area, as we continue to work with the City of Whitehorse and Yukon Government to ensure the best possible transition to EPR”, says Heather Ashthorn, executive director, Raven Recycling Society.
Raven will continue to process all material that comes to the facility from communities and from curbside collection, to the best of its abilities, until a more effective, purpose-built processing facility is available. This is dependent upon government continuing to pay the appropriate diversion credit rate, past the expiration of the current contract, ending June 30th.
Raven will also continue to advocate for zero waste and develop plans that allow it to build on the anticipated success of EPR and increased waste diversion. The work of Raven Recycling Society is expected to continue, for as long as we remain a consumer culture!
Raven Recycling is a 30-year-old not for profit society, run by a volunteer board.
For more information about EPR please visit yukon.ca/en/engagements.
If you have questions about our new plans, here is a Q&A we put together.
Q – Why now?
A – Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation will be complete by the end of 2025. Stepping out of the way now gives the City two years to develop and test a curbside program so that when the PRO is developing a stewardship plan, they can account for the cost as tested and reported by the City. We cannot determine whether the City will take this approach, but we are leaving enough time for what we think is the most responsible and practical approach to be taken.
Q – 9 months is not very much time – how do you expect our governments to develop a collection service in this amount of time?
A – We have given our governments well over a year’s notice in order to allow for a coordinated and timely transition to a new system. We have provided clear and transparent data and recommendations both to Mayor and Council and through the EPR Advisory Council. We have engaged with Mayor & Council regularly over the past 2 years in preparation, providing deliberate recommendations to improve the current system and to prepare for changes that will come with EPR. One of our recommendations has been to dust off the curbside collection feasibility study that we helped the City with back in 2016. The work has been done and we do not believe it should take long to update the feasibility study and add recycling to the current collection streams.
We hope that the City will be ready to roll out curbside pickup early in 2024, which will give them two years to test and make improvements to the system in preparation for EPR.
Q – How do you know that curbside collection will increase diversion?
A – The most current waste audit (2017) estimates almost 2000 tonnes each of paper and plastic are still going to landfill each year, much of this coming from multi-family residential dwellings. Many people living in multi-family dwellings do not have transportation or the space to store waste. Even more recyclable material is flowing from the business sector to the landfill and including businesses in recycling collection, as the City currently does with its organics program, would likely help increase diversion. The City will have to consider including all of these sources to get to a higher rate of diversion. Regardless of current diversion rates, one trip to the landfill or a peek inside most black bins left at the curb tells the story of PPP heading to the landfill. We recommend that YG set an accessibility target equivalent to current garbage and compost services in their EPR regulation.
Q – What do you mean when you say that recycling needs to be more accessible?
A – Raven’s drop off has made recycling accessible to many Yukoners, however, customers still need to have access to a vehicle to get here. There is no bus stop outside Raven (we have asked the City to provide one), the bike lanes are not maintained in winter and are very dangerous in the dark and we are not on the path to many other services.
Q – What will curbside collection cost and who will pay?
A – This is for government to determine. Our suggestion is that the City invests in the program during the transition to EPR and then negotiates for full cost recovery from the producers under EPR regulation.
Q – What if the public doesn’t want to pay the trickle-down costs of EPR? Can we vote to not enact it?
A – EPR is a commitment made by Yukon Government in Our Clean Future, and supported by the City of Whitehorse in their Solid Waste Action Plan. The public consultation period for EPR is now closed and YG is working on a draft regulation.
Yukoners are already paying the costs of EPR programs in other jurisdictions on many recyclable materials. We are just not receiving the services that those programs offer because there is no regulation yet. For paper and packaging, we believe that any costs that are passed down to the consumer will be minimal, likely not even noticeable. We are recommending that YG’s regulation makes sure the producers have to incorporate those costs into their produce prices as opposed to tacking on an extra fee at the point of sale.
For more information about EPR, please visit yukon.ca/en/engagements
Q – The public drop-off looks like it’s running well. What are the problems?
A – Thank you! We put a lot of effort into keeping the public drop off in good shape and we have an excellent and dedicated work force at Raven. Please tip your hat when you see them next. We have done a lot with very little for a long time, however, Raven’s yard is below river level, which means there is no way to drain water that collects in the bunkers aside from using a septic service, which is expensive and not available on demand. The alternate is to pump it down the street, which is not a responsible approach: Yukon River is down the street. Pooled water becomes contaminated with material, food residue, runoff from the road and yard that is contaminated with hazardous waste. It also contributes to deterioration of the bunker walls. The space is difficult to maneuver in. Materials become cross-contaminated, which devalues them. Paper products soak up water, which means we can get less on a truck during the busiest season. The drop off is open to the weather and impossible to close when we have a backlog of material. All the lifting the skid steers and forklifts have to do to move bins in and out of the bunkers is very hard on the machinery. They are not built for this kind of activity.Our public drop off was always meant to be a temporary stop-gap until governments developed a more accessible system. Infrastructure upgrades to deal with some of these problems are expensive and taking on these changes would only delay a city-wide service being developed and lessen our investment in zero waste initiatives.
Q – Isn’t Raven’s core funding enough to cover upgrades?
A – Raven does not receive any core funding. Funds that we receive from governments come from diversion credits, which cover the cost of recycling paper and from contracts that we are awarded through an RFP process. We do not profit from diversion credits.
Q – Raven receives diversion credits from YG and the City. Isn’t this money supposed to cover the cost of infrastructure upgrades?
A – Diversion credits are paid at a rate per tonne that covers the operational and administrative costs of processing and getting paper and packaging to recycling industries. The infrastructure upgrades that are needed to improve the public drop-off are very expensive and beyond the reach of the diversion credits we are currently receiving. More importantly, there are no infrastructure upgrades that we can make which will provide access to more people.
Major infrastructure upgrades for all Raven programs require either spending from our operational reserve, which compromises our ability to repair and replace equipment, or requires that we spend a great deal of administrative time applying for and reporting on funding from other sources.
Q – Why doesn’t Raven just use its operational reserve to build a better public drop-off?
A – Raven is a large organization that owns the majority of Yukon’s processing infrastructure. For example, our main baler, which cost close to half a million dollars several years ago. It is a hard working machine which needs frequent, and often very expensive repairs to keep recycling going for the Territory. If it breaks and we do not have cash on hand to repair or replace it, we have to apply for funding, which sometimes takes months to obtain and which we may or may not get. If we don’t have a baler, recycling is interrupted. An operational reserve also ensures that we can pay our hard-working employees and keep the lights on in months when expenses exceed revenues.
There is currently no other organization with the capacity to receive and process material for the entire Territory. Raven’s operational reserve is one of the key ingredients of a stable recycling system. We believe that maintaining the reserve should provide governments the assurance they need that they are entering into contracts with an organization that manages its finances responsibly.
That said, there are no infrastructure upgrades that we can make which will increase the public’s access to our public drop-off. We are making this decision to ultimately increase access to and participation in recycling.
Q – How has Raven covered the cost of infrastructure upgrades in the past?
A – In a variety of ways, including remortgaging our property, through the Community Development Fund, through grants from the Government of Canada and with revenue from our bottle depot. Grants from other sources are not always available and use a great deal of staff resources to obtain, project manage and report on.
That said, our decision is about improving access to recycling, and there are no infrastructure upgrades that we can make at Raven that will do that. We have stabilized the recycling system and provided access to recycling to the best of our abilities.
Q – Why did Raven build such a problematic public drop-off?
A – Raven has been around and leading recycling for over 30 years. During that time, we have added services, improved infrastructure and made do with very little while proving that Yukoners want to recycle. Our intent all along has been to encourage and support governments to take the lead on waste diversion through recycling, rather than to position ourselves as a collection service.
Our current public drop-off is a vast improvement on the previous configuration, however, our facility is not purpose-built and Raven has always made do with what we’ve got while advocating and waiting for governments to develop a better system. Without a purpose-built facility, all efforts are a bit of trial and error.
Q – Can’t Raven just apply to CDF to build a better drop-off?
A – We have been grateful for support from the CDF and other funds for many projects and, although we are still eligible to apply, Raven has built a healthy operational reserve, which is a barrier to accessing government funds. A reserve is essential for the responsible management of a recycling facility. We can, therefore, either exist in poverty, continue in a constant state of risk and contribute to the perception that government is bailing us out when we need something, or we can ensure that we are able to fix and replace equipment and pay staff in months that are thin on revenue and leave it to government to develop better infrastructure. We believe the latter is the more responsible approach.
That said, no matter how much we improve the public drop off infrastructure, we cannot increase accessibility to our facility. We are counting on the City to meet the needs of Whitehorse in this way. Raven can help, but we can’t do it all on our own. The City has become too large and the amount of material that comes through our public drop-off too plentiful for us to continue to manage.
Q – What will happen to all the Whitehorse Blue Bin material?
A – In the short term, we will still accept, sort, bale and ship this material to the best of our abilities. Our ability to provide processing services depends on government commitment to paying the full cost of recycling.
We continue to have the ability to process material that comes through our facility. Once there is a city-wide blue-in service, if the City goes that route, we are willing to process all material that comes from curbside collection, at least until a purpose-built facility is built by government.
Q – Will communities still be able to bring material to Raven?
A – Yes, as long as YG works with us to address this need. We will still accept, sort, bale and ship this material to the best of our abilities. Our ability to provide processing services depends on government commitment to paying the appropriate diversion credits.
Q – I own or work for a Whitehorse-based business and use the public drop off. How will I access recycling after Raven makes these changes?
A – YG has committed to implementing EPR by the end of 2025. The regulation will identify which businesses have to pay into the recycling system and how, and from whom, material will be collected. Recycling has never been free and we are all currently paying through our taxes, regardless of whether we use recycling services or not, and regardless of how much we consume.
We encourage all Yukon businesses to build the cost of recycling into their cost of doing business. Recycling has never been free and with the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility, which is meant to be implemented by the end of 2025, businesses are going to have to contribute to the costs. One way to phase these costs in is to sign up for collection services with Whitehorse Blue Bin Recycling.
Q – I live in country-residential in the Whitehorse area. How will I recycle after 2023?
A – We cannot say how or whether the City of Whitehorse will implement a curbside collection service but we do recommend you contact Mayor & Council to let them know if
you think recycling services should be offered to country-residential as well as to residences inside the urban containment boundary.
We highly encourage all people living in country residential to contact Whitehorse Blue Bin Recycling to see if you are in their catchment area. You can also still take your recyclable material to your closest waste transfer station. If you are still in a pinch, please call us and we will see how else we might be able to help you.
Q – I live in Whitehorse. How will I recycle after 2023?
A – We would also like an answer to this question and hope our governments ensure there is not a gap in service.
If you live within the urban containment boundary, please do not take your recycling to any of the country-residential or rural transfer stations. These facilities do not have the capacity to deal with Whitehorse-generated waste. They will quickly become overwhelmed and we would hate to see them have to close all recycling services as a result.
Q – How can you say you are all about recycling and then close the public’s access to paper and packaging recycling services?
A – We understand that this decision will cause some discomfort and it may appear that we are going backward. However, this decision is all about increasing access. Our public drop-off has reached its full potential to divert material from the landfill and is capturing well under half of the paper and packaging that is generated in Whitehorse. We are taking a risk because there is currently no commitment from government to fill the gap. However, we believe that this is the most responsible decision we can make because as long as we provide a drop off, there is little to no incentive for governments to improve the system.
Q – Will Raven be adding other services in the near future?
A – A recent increase in diversion credits from YG will allow us to use money we make in our bottle depot for zero waste initiatives instead of for non-refundable recycling. We are very excited about this! However, our current diversion credit agreement is only in effect until June 30th, 2023. We are hopeful that YG and the City will come together to share the costs of processing paper and packaging until EPR brings an obligated funder, allowing us to continue on our zero waste mission!
December 8, 2022
Raven’s Holiday Hours
December 23rd: open regular hours
December 24th: Closing at 3pm
December 25th to 27th: Closed
December 28th to 30th: open regular hours
December 31st: Closing at 3pm
January 1st to 2nd: Closed
January 3rd: Back to regular hours
To keep material levels manageable for Raven’s staff during holiday hours, we encourage the public to use their judgement when coming in to drop off recyclables. If our bins are full when you come by, please consider keeping your recyclables and returning another day to do your recycling.
October 3, 2022
New hours & location for E-waste
Our e-waste drop-off has been relocated to Scrap Metals. Please enter through the gate on Industrial Road to access and speak to the attendant at the Scrap Metals tent before dropping off your e-waste.
E-waste drop-off hours have also been adjusted to follow Scrap Metals opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00am to 4:00pm
August 2, 2022
Reinstating mandatory masks in our work space on August 22nd
On August 22nd, Raven Recycling will once again be requiring all customers, staff and contractors working in enclosed spaces to return to wearing masks covering their mouths and noses. We strongly encourage customers and staff to wear masks even before that date.
Our reasons for reinstating mandatory masks are as follows:
1. There are new COVID variants that spread quickly and have long-lasting symptoms (please see the links in our references below).
2. For the safety of our staff and customers. We care deeply about the health of our community and want to provide protection wherever we are able.
3. So that we can continue to offer our recycling services. Simply put, we cannot get the work done when too many of our staff are sick or isolating. Due to COVID, we have had several occasions over the last year where we were so short-staffed that we fell behind and many of us had to do the work of several people or even close down Raven altogether. We want to do our best to make sure this doesn’t happen again.
Raven will be providing masks and hand sanitizer to the public from August 22nd onward. Please direct any questions or concerns to our managing staff.
References
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/5-things-to-know-omicron
https://www.vox.com/23200811/covid-19-omicron-ba5-reinfection-vaccine-paxlovid
https://health.ucdavis.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-information/omicron-variant
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-01730-y
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220620/Each-SARS-CoV-2-reinfection-causes-more-severe-disease.aspx
https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20220707/each-covid-19-reinfection-increases-health-risks
https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2021/09/surgical-masks-covid-19.html
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7106e1.htm?s_cid=mm7106e1_w
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0843-2
July 12, 2022
Temporary Ferrous Metals Closure
Raven Scrap Metals has temporarily suspended our ferrous metals service, including end-of-life vehicles. Scrap Metals will still be accepting non-ferrous metals (aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel) and also white goods (fridges and freezers, washing machines, etc).
The reason for the closure is to clean up and re-organize our ferrous metals yard. Keep an eye on our website for updates.
June 17, 2022
Slight Change to Opening Hours
Starting in July, on the second Wednesday of every month, Raven Recycling will be changing opening hours to 11am-5pm. This change is to accommodate training and team-building for all employees. Opening hours for all other days will remain unchanged. Please visit our About/Hours page to find our regular opening hours for all departments.
April 28, 2022
Temporary Ferrous Metals Closure in June
Raven Scrap Metals will be temporarily suspending our ferrous metals service beginning on June 1st. Customers have until May 31st to bring in ferrous metals. Scrap Metals will still be accepting non-ferrous metals (aluminum, brass, copper, stainless steel).
The reason for the closure is to clean up and re-organize our ferrous metals yard. Keep an eye on our website for updates.
April 19, 2022
We’re excited to announce the launch of our artist residency program on April 25th! Five artists working with five different materials will be working in our Depot throughout the summer.
Through the pieces they create, these artists will be exploring the many ways waste affects us all. Come into our Depot during the below dates and explore the complexity of waste with us.
Artists will also be hosting a workshop on the first Sunday after the start of their residency, and an artist talk on the last day. Come into the Depot to sign up!
April 25 to May 8: Janet Patterson
May 15 to May 29: Heidi Hehn
June 1 to 15: Jenny & Dennis Shorty
July 4 to 15: Nicole Bauberger
July 18 to 29: Helen O’Connor
January 11, 2022
Job posting: Recycling Cashiers
Raven Recycling is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to providing excellent recycling services to all Yukon communities. We are committed to making Raven an excellent place to work and providing training and opportunities for professional development to all staff.
We are looking for Recycling Cashiers who would be available for work from Mondays to Saturdays. We are looking for full time, part time and auxiliary on-call workers to start immediately.
Qualifications:
• Must be flexible and responsible in a team environment
• Must be able to work in a fast paced work environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Must be able to lift 25lbs
• Must be bondable
• Willing to be on your feet for long periods
• Must be able to work Saturdays.
Responsibilities:
• Cash distribution to the public for refundable beverage containers.
• Public Education of the 3Rs, and how to sort recyclables.
• Balancing cash on a daily basis.
• Maintenance of the depot, i.e. keeping it clean and tidy.
• Sorting beverage containers and assisting customers with sorting.
Raven offers excellent leave, sick and vacation benefits, above and beyond Employment Standards requirements. All employees have opportunity to grow within the organization when they demonstrate commitment to the organization and an interest in learning new skills.
Wage range: $17-20/hr
Please send a resume to: depotmanager@ravenrecycling.org
Or call: (867) 667-7269
POSITIONS FILLED — Job posting: Warehouse/Sortline Workers
Raven is looking for temporary warehouse and sortline workers. We are short staffed due to COVID and need help moving and managing recycling materials. Temporary contracts may be extended based on need.
Job Description:
• Sort through and separate recyclable materials
• Move and organize bins as required
• Daily maintenance and cleaning of sortline/warehouse
• Operation of baling and glass crushing equipment
Qualifications:
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
• Desire to work as a team member to coordinate all activities
• Ability to prioritize tasks
• Ability to work safely as well as maintain a clean worksite
Assets:
• Experience with forklift and/or bobcats
• Ability to work Saturdays
• Environmental Commitment
Raven Recycling will provide training on all equipment.
Wage range: $17-22/hr
Apply by email to: operations@ravenrecycling.org
Call: (867)667-7269
December 14, 2021
Raven’s Hours Reduced Over Holidays
Raven Scrap Metals: Closed from 12 noon on Dec 24th to January 3rd.
Raven’s E-waste and Depot: Closed from 12 noon on Dec 24th to Dec 28th; Closed from 12 noon on Dec 31st to Jan 3rd.
Raven’s Offices: Closed from 12 noon on Dec 24th to Jan 3rd.
Public drop-off: Open 24/7, 365 days a year!
Raven will be back to regular hours on January 4th, 2022.
December 1, 2021
Christmas Lights & Winter Coats for Charity
Every year, between December and the end of February, Raven Recycling collects Christmas lights for charity! All of the recycling proceeds are then donated to a local organization. This year, we are giving to the Skookum Jim Friendship Centre. Drop-off your strings of broken lights into our Depot to help support your community!
This year we are also collecting winter coats on behalf of Blood Ties. If you have a winter coat in good condition that you no longer need, please drop it off in our Depot. Please launder your coat before donating. Coats in good condition will be given out vulnerable members of our community.
Depot opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm.
November 8, 2021
Accepting applications for Operations Manager
POSITION FILLED
Annual Salary: $68,000 to $78,000
Duration: Permanent
Closing Date: Until filled
Job Level: Senior management
Anyone who can legally work in Canada can apply for this job. If you are not currently authorized to work in Canada, the employer will not consider your job application.
OVERVIEW
Raven Recycling Society is a non-government organization and a social enterprise operating within the Traditional Territories of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation and the Ta’an Kwach’an Council. The Society’s purpose is to promote sustainable Yukon communities and healthy eco-systems through responsible consumption and waste management by citizens, the public sector and the private sector.
While respecting and embodying Raven’s Zero Waste and community building philosophy throughout, the incumbent’s focus is on leading warehouse and depot operations in accordance with all relevant contracts and business programs. This is a busy and dynamic position that demands an exceptional ability to balance administrative and operational duties.
The Operations Manager works closely with all members of the Raven team. Excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to lead with dignity and respect, and a good sense of humor are essential.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Administrative – 30%
• In collaboration with the Executive Director and following Raven’s organizational policies and procedures, manage and provide leadership in all operations-related HR activities including recruitment, training, performance management, team building and scheduling of all warehouse employees
• Provide fiscally responsible management of the warehouse budget and meet regularly with the Executive Director for budget reviews
• Maintain and administer all shipping and receiving paperwork. (e.g. beer truck loading sheets and vehicle maintenance schedules). Enter scales data and invoice customers
• Perform weekly monitoring of the yard, warehouse and depot, document areas of concern, maintain records of all monitoring activities and collaborate with other Raven managers to ensure recommendations made during monitoring are addressed.
• Working with the Executive Director to secure diversion credits from YG and the City of Whitehorse and to bid on tenders that arise, such as for the management of e-waste.
• Maintaining current understanding of commodity prices and markets and negotiating new arrangements with brokers when necessary.
Supervision & labour – 40%
• Coordinate, manage and supervise all warehouse, depot and yard operations. Hold daily toolbox meetings with warehouse staff to direct operations
• Provide regular review of daily procedures and overall programming in order to maintain effective use of equipment and staff
• In collaboration with the yard/metals supervisor, oversee all recyclable content through entire life cycle from collecting to shipping including management of the sale of recyclable products such as scrap metal and other related ventures that may arise
• Loading shipping containers to maintain high efficiency and quality of outgoing commodities
• Undertaking the duties and responsibilities of a variety of warehouse workers as required
Project management & contractor oversight – 20%
• Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable that all of Raven’s safety procedures and standards are followed by employees and outside contractors. Form and head a safety committee with regular meetings, train staff and ensure workstations each have up to date manuals
• Lead property management and maintenance to ensure the long-term value of the building is maximized including oversight of contractors brought in for required upkeep and repairs
Other duties – 10%
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, provide strategic input and guide long-term strategic planning for the organization as a whole with particular focus on warehouse operations and special projects
• Ensure equipment, warehouse and yard are maintained to safety levels required by WCB and fire inspection including snow removal, litter clearing and commodity storage clearances.
• Purchase warehouse, yard and depot supplies as necessary
• Liaise with Depot Supervisor to ensure effective and consistent messaging around recycling operations
• Familiarizing oneself and training all warehouse staff with Raven’s philosophy and code of conduct and implementing them at all times
• Respond to public inquiries and ensure a high level of customer service is provided by all Raven employees
• Participate actively on various joint committees as required to maintain ongoing relationships of the Raven team as a whole
• Sourcing, collecting and processing material for Raven’s wood chip boiler throughout the year to ensure an adequate supply in advance of boiler season.
• Communicating and liaising with commercial haulers and community depots and transfer station personnel to ensure product coming to Raven is of the highest possible quality and to problem solve issues that arise from time to time.
• Communicating with the City of Whitehorse Waste and Water Services personnel to maintain a good working relationship and collaborate on improving the recycling and waste management systems.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
Required skills:
– Experience with all aspects of human resource management
– Understanding of workplace safety requirements and legislation, including the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Employment Standards Act and Yukon Human Rights Act
– Class 5 Driver’s license
– Familiarity and comfort with heavy machinery, large equipment and a variety of vehicles
– Dedication and commitment to promoting waste reduction and a circular economy and ability to lead by example
– Excellent organizational, time management, prioritization and leadership skills
– Ability to foster and maintain effective relationships among peers, stakeholders, staff and the public
– Ability to oversee and manage a complex budget
– Proficiency with basic office software such as Excel and ability to transition to new software gracefully when needed
Required certifications (training may be provided) :
– WHMIS certification
– Standard First Aid/CPR-C
– YHRC Human Rights 101
– Leadership for Safety Excellence
– Joint Health & Safety Committee Training
– Return to Work Training
Recommended training:
– Managing Recycling Systems, Solid Waste Association of North America
Desired equipment operation experience:
Mobile Equipment operation including:
– Linde Diesel forklift truck
– CASE diesel forklift truck
– Bobcat skid-steer (S770, S300, T740)
– Linde electric forklift
– Cube vans
Warehouse equipment including:
– Harris badger two ram baler
– Harmony vertical baler
– REM glass breaker
– Conveyor systems
Experience with machine maintenance is an asset
Welding experience is an asset
WORKING CONDITIONS
– Most administrative work is performed under normal office conditions
– Regular use of heavy machinery and mechanical equipment
– Regular exposure to temperature extremes between office, warehouse and yard
– Regular exposure to chemicals, odors, fumes and waste materials
– Physical risk associated with site visits, heavy equipment and mechanical equipment and vehicle operation
Additional Application Instructions
Please call or email the Executive Director to discuss your interest in the job and for a full job description, including required experience, skills and training.
Email: ed@ravenrecycling.org
Ph: (867)667-7269 ext. 25
November 9, 2021
New COVID regulations in place
Due to the current State of Emergency and recommendations from Yukon’s Chief Medical Officer, Raven Recycling is making the following changes to operations:
– Masks are mandatory for all customers and visitors to Raven’s Depot and Offices
– Only 5 customers will be permitted in the Depot at one time (please check the Depot before entering)
If the parking lot is busy, please consider coming back at another time. For those who can, please do your recycling during off-peak hours. Peak hours include all day Saturday and Monday, and most weekday afternoons from 3pm to 5pm.
Learn more about Yukon’s State of Emergency on YG’s website: https://yukon.ca/en/news/state-emergency-declared-response-increased-spread-covid-19-yukon?fbclid=IwAR1nEsYCtWkS-T6zmmmIllpTbT_YLDjxOp1nJH8OXnhEfbRp6vJoXLLlTD0
It’s cold out there, so remember to dress warmly in case you have to wait outside!
September 28, 2021
Raven Recycling marks National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
Raven’s depot, e-waste, metals and offices will all be closed on September 30th. In recognition of this Day, 25% of all Raven donations from the month of September will go to CAIRS. Customers can also contribute by donating their refund directly to the CAIRS account at Raven.
To learn more about Truth and Reconciliation in Canada, read the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf
The Yukon University is hosting a series of events: https://www.yukonu.ca/news/202109/yukonu-marks-truth-and-reconciliation-day-week-events
CAIRS: CAIRS was established in 1993. The trailblazers wanted a place for residential school survivors and their families. A place that was theirs where they could sit, talk, visit, work on art and crafts. It is a safe place for residential school survivors and families.
Address: 4198a – 4th Ave, Whitehorse. Ph: 867-667-2247.
September 22, 2021
Raven Recycling wants your pallets & lumber!
Raven is once again accepting pallets and used, clean lumber. Nails are ok, but no paint or brush please! Bring in you pallets and lumber to Scrap Metals during opening hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5pm).
June 29, 2021
Raven Recycling closed on July 1st
Raven’s offices, Metals, Depot and E-waste will all be closed for the public holiday. The outdoor public drop-off will remain available as usual. Regular operating hours will resume the following day.
June 25, 2021
Donation account set up for CAIRS
TW: Residential Schools
If you are in need of support, there are resources available:
In Whitehorse: CAIRS (Ph: 867-667-2247)
National: Indian Residential School Survivors Society (Crisis line: 1-800-721-0066)
Like other community organizations, Raven Recycling and Zero Waste Yukon have discussed our platform following the recent discoveries of unmarked sites where innocent children were buried at Residential Schools across the country. This is a time of profound grief and sadness and a stark reminder of the suffering that Canada’s colonial policies continue to cause.
It is our view that silence is complicity with the generations of harm caused by colonialism and so we stand in solidarity with the voices demanding clear, consistent, and long-lasting action by government and members of our community towards reconciliation.
Raven Recycling is preparing a donation account at our bottle depot with proceeds going to CAIRS (The Committee on Abuse in Residential Schools Society). Members of the community are encouraged to donate their bottle deposits to this account. Raven will also be donating 25% of all BCR donations made to Raven Recycling Society for the month of July.
CAIRS: CAIRS was established in 1993. The trailblazers wanted a place for residential school survivors and their families. A place that was theirs where they could sit, talk, visit, work on art and crafts. It is a safe place for residential school survivors and families. We are located at 4198a – 4th ave or call 867-667-2247.
On behalf of Joanne, Vern, Michelle, AJ, and Susan, we thank you for your donation.
June 17, 2021
National Indigenous People’s Day
Raven Recycling’s Depot, Metals, E-Waste and offices will all be closed on June 21st in observance of National Indigenous People’s Day. The public drop-off will be open as usual.
June 2, 2021
Annual General Meeting
Raven is holding our next AGM on Tuesday, June 8th at 7pm on Zoom. Email us at information@ravenrecycling.org for details.
April 19, 2021
May 24th is Victoria Day!
Raven Recycling will be open as usual on Saturday, May 22nd (Depot hours: 9-5; metals 8:30-5). However, Raven will be closed on Monday, May 24th in recognition of the holiday. The Public Drop-off will be open as usual, 24/7.
Have a great long weekend!
April 28, 2021
Changes to cardboard sorting
Due to a significant increase in the amount of boxboard mixed in with corrugated cardboard, Raven has been asked by recyclers in the south to separate boxboard and brown kraft paper (or packing paper) from corrugated cardboard.
Therefore, Raven is now asking that customers please sort boxboard and kraft paper into Mixed Paper. Corrugated cardboard can still go into Cardboard.
Boxboard vs. cardboard
Boxboard
This is low quality, thin cardboard that includes aluminum can boxes, cracker boxes, beer bottle boxes, and so on.
Corrugated carboard
This higher quality and has a layer of wavy cardboard in between 2 flat layers.
April 21, 2021
Raven is hosting an online public screening!
Happy Earth Week!
- 1. If you do not have this already, get access to a Netflix account.
- 2. Download the free Teleparty extension.
- 3. On April 22nd, keep an eye on Raven’s social media for the link to the teleparty (we’ll post it about 20 minutes before start time).
- 4. Follow the link to Netflix and activate the Teleparty extension (on Chrome, this looks like a puzzle piece at the end of the URL text field).
- 5. enjoy the movie!
April 20, 2021
Earth Week Challenge
Raven Recycling & WildWise Yukon want your ideas, tricks & tips!
There is a growing body of evidence showing how deadly human waste is to wildlife: micro plastics have invaded even the most remote areas of our planet; PPE such as masks and gloves have become very real problem in the last year (at Raven we see more than we want of discarded PPE in our parking lot); and here in the Wilderness City, keeping wild animals away from human garbage is an ongoing issue. However, we can all make a difference: rinse out food containers, not only to reduce attractants, but also to keep contamination low so that we can recycle more; store your garbage & recyclables in secure areas and in animal-proof bins; keep up-to-date on best recycling practices in the Yukon so that we can divert more waste from the landfill.
Have other ideas? Want to share tips on how you protect Yukon wildlife by keeping them out of your waste? We want to know! Show Raven Recycling & WildWise Yukon how you protect wildlife by keeping them out of your garbage and recyclables! Send us a photo or description via email (communications@ravenrecycling.org) or social media DMs. We might even feature your ideas!
April 1, 2021
Changes to cardboard sorting
Due to a significant increase in the amount of boxboard mixed in with corrugated cardboard, Raven has been asked by recyclers in the south to separate boxboard and brown kraft paper (or packing paper) from corrugated cardboard.
Therefore, Raven is now asking that customers please sort boxboard and kraft paper into Mixed Paper. Corrugated cardboard can still go into Cardboard.
Boxboard vs. cardboard
Boxboard
This is low quality, thin cardboard that includes aluminum can boxes, cracker boxes, beer bottle boxes, and so on.
Corrugated carboard
This higher quality and has a layer of wavy cardboard in between 2 flat layers.
March 31, 2021
Raven’s hours are reduced for the Easter weekend
April 2nd: CLOSED
April 3rd: Depot: 9am to 5pm; E-waste: 8:30am to 4:30pm; metals: CLOSED
April 4th: CLOSED
April 5th: CLOSED
Regular hours will resume Tuesday, April 6th.
March 20, 2021
Raven is accepting applications for the position of Executive Director
Raven’s current Executive Director is retiring this coming June. Therefore, we are putting out a call for applicants.
A full description of the position can be found below.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to ravenrecycling@gmail.com.
Please wait to be contacted by a board member after submission.
Deadline to submit: April 9, 2021.
Position: Executive Director, Raven Recycling Society
Background
The Raven Recycling Society is the primary recycling processor in the Yukon Territory and continues to play a significant role in the responsible management of materials that currently are, or can be, recycled. While recognizing the many variables inherent to the waste management industry, Raven has been striving to be a financially viable and sustainable organization since 1982.
Raven Recycling Society is a not-for-profit social enterprise with charitable status. In reality, we operate as a business with all profits re-invested in the mission of the organization.
Position Summary
The executive director (ED) of Raven Recycling Society (Raven) receives direction from a volunteer Board of Directors (board), under the Policy Governance Model (Carver 2006: Boards that Make a Difference). Policy governance defines and guides the appropriate relationships between the board and its executive director. Board governance is at arms length from operations.
The ED leads the organization that provides recycling services across the Yukon, influences government policies and builds community support for Zero Waste initiatives. He/she defines their own duties and those of the 30+ staff members to fulfill the Board Ends. Daily operations demand the following skills: leadership, financial management, planning, strategic initiatives, and organizational management.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership – 30%
• Serving as the liaison between the Board and all Raven staff
• Projecting Raven to the public as a social enterprise that takes its territorial role seriously, acts with integrity, and operates under the highest professional standards at all times
• Developing and maintaining professional relationships with relevant government, business and industry employees, as well as elected officials – municipal, territorial, First Nation, federal
• Maintaining accountability to the Board through regular reporting requirements, attendance at monthly Board meetings, participation in Board workshops and supporting Raven’s Annual General Meeting
• Acting as a professional, knowledgeable spokesperson for Raven
• Collaborating with other ‘like’ service organizations to ensure best practices, information sharing and capacity building
Organizational Management – 25%
• Overseeing the recruitment and management of all employees, ensuring they follow safe work practices, and adhere to Raven policies and procedures
• Ensuring regular staff communication and information dissemination
• Overseeing the management of all Raven’s assets, ensuring their security and maintenance
• Ensuring consistent training and professional development of Raven’s management team
• Developing policies and procedures as required
• Overseeing and developing risk management policies and procedures, protecting the organization, its employees and the Board
• Identifying facility and equipment requirements with subsequent financial implications
Financial Management – 30%
• Developing, administering all budgets and financial projections in a fiscally responsible manner
• Managing the efficient and effective use of the organization’s resources
• Identifying and resourcing capital funding requirements
• Negotiating funding agreements or contracts, and ensuring contractual obligations are met
Planning and Strategic Initiatives – 10%
• Designing and managing projects and programs to fulfill the Ends
• Ensuring Raven is a leader on progressive material management processes
• Identifying industry trends and imminent legislation and providing relevant information to the Board
Other Duties
• As required
Qualifications
Required
• Experience operating a business or social enterprise
• Proven supervisory experience in a setting that promotes teamwork, trust, and integrity
• Experience in a leadership position that requires advanced visionary thinking, strategic planning and partnership building skills and abilities
• Aptitude in financial management
• Demonstrated commitment to the community
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
Preferred
• University degree or post-secondary diploma or certificate
• Experience in working with a Board of Directors
• Strong environmental commitment
Working Conditions
• Occasional evenings and weekends
• Occasional travel within the Yukon and Western Canada (1-3 trips/year)
• Working in an office (90%) and industrial environment
Starting date: May 2021
Salary range: 80,000 to 100,000 per annum
Moving expenses may be negotiated.
March 16, 2021
Raven is doing a draw for tickets to the Yukon Wildlife Preserve on March 18th!
March 18th is Global Recycling Day!
To enter the draw, bring your refundable, ready-to-drink beverage containers into the Depot on March 18th and sign up at the till.
Raven Recycling will be donating funds from your recycled beverage containers to Friends of McIntyre Creek! So the more you bring in, the more we can give!
This is a one-day event, only. You will not be able to enter the draw before or after March 18th.
February 5, 2021
Recycle old Christmas lights and help support the Outreach Van!
Every winter, Raven encourages Yukoners with broken or unusable strings of Christmas lights to recycle them in our bottle depot. We take the proceeds from the sale of these lights and donate it to a local charitable organization.
This holiday season all proceeds from recycled Christmas lights will be donated to the Outreach Van.
The Outreach Van is a collaborative project between Blood Ties Four Directions Centre, Many Rivers Counselling, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society Yukon (FASSY) and Kwanlin Dun First Nation, and operates with a harm reduction philosophy, promoting methods of reducing the physical, social, emotional and economic harms associated with drug and alcohol use and other harmful behaviours on individuals and their community.
The Outreach Van provides citizens in need with emergency clothing, snacks, first aid, nursing services, harm reduction and crisis counselling.
For more information, visit the Outreach Van Facebook Page or e-mail outreachvan@bloodties.ca
We’re paid by the pound for lights, so the more strings you recycle, the bigger our donation will be and the more help the Outreach Van can provide to our community!
January 12, 2021
Raven is accepting applications for the position of Executive Director
Raven’s current Executive Director is retiring this coming June. Therefore, we are putting out a call for applicants.
A full description of the position can be found below.
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to ravenrecycling@gmail.com.
Please wait to be contacted by a board member after submission.
Deadline to submit: February 5, 2021.
Position: Executive Director, Raven Recycling Society
Background
The Raven Recycling Society is the primary recycling processor in the Yukon Territory and continues to play a significant role in the responsible management of materials that currently are, or can be, recycled. While recognizing the many variables inherent to the waste management industry, Raven has been striving to be a financially viable and sustainable organization since 1982.
Raven Recycling Society is a not-for-profit social enterprise with charitable status. In reality, we operate as a business with all profits re-invested in the mission of the organization.
Position Summary
The executive director (ED) of Raven Recycling Society (Raven) receives direction from a volunteer Board of Directors (board), under the Policy Governance Model (Carver 2006: Boards that Make a Difference). Policy governance defines and guides the appropriate relationships between the board and its executive director. Board governance is at arms length from operations.
The ED leads the organization that provides recycling services across the Yukon, influences government policies and builds community support for Zero Waste initiatives. He/she defines their own duties and those of the 30+ staff members to fulfill the Board Ends. Daily operations demand the following skills: leadership, financial management, planning, strategic initiatives, and organizational management.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership – 30%
• Serving as the liaison between the Board and all Raven staff
• Projecting Raven to the public as a social enterprise that takes its territorial role seriously, acts with integrity, and operates under the highest professional standards at all times
• Developing and maintaining professional relationships with relevant government, business and industry employees, as well as elected officials – municipal, territorial, First Nation, federal
• Maintaining accountability to the Board through regular reporting requirements, attendance at monthly Board meetings, participation in Board workshops and supporting Raven’s Annual General Meeting
• Acting as a professional, knowledgeable spokesperson for Raven
• Collaborating with other ‘like’ service organizations to ensure best practices, information sharing and capacity building
Organizational Management – 25%
• Overseeing the recruitment and management of all employees, ensuring they follow safe work practices, and adhere to Raven policies and procedures
• Ensuring regular staff communication and information dissemination
• Overseeing the management of all Raven’s assets, ensuring their security and maintenance
• Ensuring consistent training and professional development of Raven’s management team
• Developing policies and procedures as required
• Overseeing and developing risk management policies and procedures, protecting the organization, its employees and the Board
• Identifying facility and equipment requirements with subsequent financial implications
Financial Management – 30%
• Developing, administering all budgets and financial projections in a fiscally responsible manner
• Managing the efficient and effective use of the organization’s resources
• Identifying and resourcing capital funding requirements
• Negotiating funding agreements or contracts, and ensuring contractual obligations are met
Planning and Strategic Initiatives – 10%
• Designing and managing projects and programs to fulfill the Ends
• Ensuring Raven is a leader on progressive material management processes
• Identifying industry trends and imminent legislation and providing relevant information to the Board
Other Duties
• As required
Qualifications
Required
• Experience operating a business or social enterprise
• Proven supervisory experience in a setting that promotes teamwork, trust, and integrity
• Experience in a leadership position that requires advanced visionary thinking, strategic planning and partnership building skills and abilities
• Aptitude in financial management
• Demonstrated commitment to the community
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
Preferred
• University degree or post-secondary diploma or certificate
• Experience in working with a Board of Directors
• Strong environmental commitment
Working Conditions
• Occasional evenings and weekends
• Occasional travel within the Yukon and Western Canada (1-3 trips/year)
• Working in an office (90%) and industrial environment
Starting date: May 2021
Salary range: 80,000 to 100,000 per annum
Moving expenses may be negotiated.
December 15, 2020
Holiday Hours
Raven Recycling’s operating hours will be reduced over the Holidays.
The Depot and E-waste will all be closed on December 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, and January 1st.
We will also be closing earlier than usual on December 24th and 31st.
Raven Scrap Metals will be closed from December 25th to January 4th.
Raven’s Public Drop-off will be open as usual, 24/7.
November 24, 2020
COVID-19 Update
Yukon’s COVID-19 situation has changed! So, from December 1st, Raven will make the following changes to our COVID-19 policy:
- – Customers must wear a mask in the Depot and upstairs offices
- – Only 5 persons are allowed in the Depot at a time
- – We also recommend a mask in the public drop-off, e-waste and metals areas
We will continue to regularly sanitize the Depot and public drop-off area.
Thank you for your patience and care.
November 4, 2020
Recycle old Christmas lights and help support the Outreach Van!
Every winter, Raven encourages Yukoners with broken or unusable strings of Christmas lights to recycle them in our bottle depot. We take the proceeds from the sale of these lights and donate it to a local charitable organization.
This holiday season all proceeds from recycled Christmas lights will be donated to the Outreach Van.
The Outreach Van is a collaborative project between Blood Ties Four Directions Centre, Many Rivers Counselling, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Society Yukon (FASSY) and Kwanlin Dun First Nation, and operates with a harm reduction philosophy, promoting methods of reducing the physical, social, emotional and economic harms associated with drug and alcohol use and other harmful behaviours on individuals and their community.
The Outreach Van provides citizens in need with emergency clothing, snacks, first aid, nursing services, harm reduction and crisis counselling.
For more information, visit the Outreach Van Facebook Page or e-mail outreachvan@bloodties.ca
We’re paid by the pound for lights, so the more strings you recycle, the bigger our donation will be and the more help the Outreach Van can provide to our community!
September 29, 2020
Why has Raven Recycling stopped taking glass and styrofoam?
Over the last couple of years Raven has stopped taking a couple of products: glass in 2019 and styrofoam after reopening in response to COVID-19 in May. We stopped taking glass because there has never been a market for glass in the Yukon. We stopped taking styrofoam because the commodity markets for it completely dried up.
These materials are resources and Raven does not believe they should go into the landfill. Please rest assured that the decisions we make about the materials we don’t accept are not easy, but they are necessary in order for Raven to continue to operate and pay our staff.
On the topic of glass, the decision in 2019 to stop taking glass was made between all the community recycling depots in the Yukon, including P&M Recycling. Like other jurisdictions that are not located within a 500-hundred mile radius to a glass recycling facility, Yukon’s glass has never been shipped outside for recycling. The glass ended up in the City of Whitehorse landfill as cover material to keep the litter down.
Depots have explored selling crushed glass for construction material in walking paths, asphalt additives, sand-blasting material, or as products for local businesses. So far, none of these initiatives have been economically viable in the long term.
It does help if you clean and smash your non-refundable glass containers so that it takes up less space in the landfill.
We recently stopped taking styrofoam because it is no longer accepted by southern recyclers. There is no market. Once the price of virgin oil dropped, the plastics industry quit using recycled material. The markets are always variable and with every material we accept, we are always competing with virgin sources that are usually heavily subsidized by governments.
We have tried a couple of ways to deal with styrofoam, including making small bricks with extruder and larger bricks with a baler. Unfortunately, neither product has found a local market. No one wants to see styrofoam in the landfill, and truly the best option is having no styrofoam produced in the first place.
Raven Recycling Society is a non-profit social enterprise. This means we operate much like a business, but put all profits back into achieving our goal of Zero Waste. We are separate from all levels of government and do not receive core government funding. Raven is governed by a volunteer board of directors, and we provide roughly 30 well-paid non-government jobs.
It costs money to collect, sort, store, and ship recyclable materials back to market. The Beverage Container Regulations have provided certainty for a small portion of the materials we collect. The refund setup allows us to get those materials recycled . Raven continues to lobby governments to include more materials in the waste management system. This would not only provide more certainty for the recycling industry, but be a definite win for the environment!
Joy Snyder, ED of Raven Recycling
(Originally published in the fall 2020 issue of Walk Softly)
June 4, 2020 – Survey Results
While we were closed, we surveyed the public in order to gauge the impact of recycling services in the Yukon. We had an overwhelming response, and here’s some of what you said:
June 1, 2020
Scrap Metals is now open Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4 (closed for lunch 12-1).
We are now accepting non-ferrous and ferrous metals, weekdays only. See the Metals page for current pricing.
The bottle depot is open Monday to Saturday 9 to 5.
The depot has new physical distancing measures, including a limit on the number of customers in the depot at any given time. Not more than five customers at a time, please wait outside if there are too many customers lined up.
We have also made the following changes to our public drop off area:
Donations of refundables can be dropped off outside the building. Please separate glass bottles. Milk cartons and tetra pack beverage containers can also be donated. Donations to Raven are currently being shared with Humane Society Yukon.
We are accepting textiles for recycling during depot hours. Please bring textiles in through the doors at that end of the depot.
Paper is now sorted into three categories – white office, other paper products, and brown paper, which includes cardboard, boxboard and all brown paper.
Both hard and soft plastics, and non refundable tetra paks are now together in one bunker.
Going forward, we will no longer be collecting styrofoam as there is no viable market.
The E-waste depot is open to accept electronics.
We appreciate your understanding and your dedication to recycling. We hope that these changes will help to shine a light on the importance of the other two Rs, Reducing and Reusing, which are more important than recycling to lowering our overall environmental impact.
Thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned to this page or our social media pages for further updates, and contact us with any questions. E-mail / Facebook / Twitter / Phone: 667-7269