Hooks may help binners sort recyclables without making a mess
The hooks can be installed anywhere to make binners task of collecting bottles and cans a little easier
A Vancouver group hopes to make life easier for binners with a simple idea — installing hooks in back alleys where residents can hang up bags of recyclable bottles and cans.
it's hoped the idea will help the people who pick up and recycle beverage containers for a living sort their bottles without making a mess.
Anna Godefroy from the Binners Project is the brains behind the concept. She says many garbage bins are locked up, forcing binners to rely on the kindness of others to survive.
"The binners told us, there's already lots of people leaving bags out for us," she said.
But that can make the area look messy.
"It's on the floor. It can get broken. You also have people nearby who don't like that; they don't like seeing a bag on the floor."
She hopes the hook will encourage more residents to leave binners their bottles and cans.
What is a binners' hook?
The hook is made out of stainless steel and can be installed virtually anywhere, says Godefroy.
Interested Vancouverites can buy the hook from the Binners Project for $10 and the organization will set up the installation.
"If people are interested in that, they could meet the binner outside their house. The binner will go there and fix it on the wall and the resident can pay by donation."
The work of installing the hook gives binners a chance to contribute and, at the same time, earn a little extra cash.
The binners project is hosting a meet-up for residents interested in the project tonight at the UBC Learning Exchange on Main Street, at 6:00 p.m. PT.
To listen to the full audio, click the link labelled: Hook to help binners and residents.