Turning Waste into Opportunity: Divert NS’ provides grants to DirectioNS Council

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Funding Recipients
people standing around a table holding a wooden sign that says thank you divert ns

Since 2021, Divert NS has allocated a total of $200,000 in grants through its collaboration with the Directions Council for Vocational Services Society (DirectioNS) to support the development and implementation of waste diversion initiatives by DirectioNS member organizations, directly contributing to waste reduction efforts in Nova Scotia.

The positive outcomes resulting from this partnership over the years motivated Divert NS to renew its partnership with DirectioNS for the 2024 fiscal year. During the period from April 2023 to March 2024, Divert NS provided DirectioNS with $50,000 in grants. Out of fourteen project applications, nine recipient organizations were selected by the review committee.

This year's projects feature a diverse range of themes, but all hold the promise of meaningful economic, environmental, and social impacts.

The Beehive Adult Service Centre in Aylesford used the funds awarded to open a thrift store beside their Enviro-Depot. Since opening in mid-December, they have diverted approximately 1,500 pounds from the landfill.

Sunset Industries, based in Pugwash, applied for funding for tools for their woodshop that would allow them to safely and efficiently create items from wood waste. Since beginning their work, they have created garbage bins wishing well planters, flower planters, and more while diverting over 7,000 kilograms of wood waste from landfill.

With funding support from Divert NS, the Canadian Association for Community Living Antigonish (CACL) purchased a sea container to be used as a drop off site for surplus items such as household goods, sporting equipment and other quality materials that are left behind by university students and sent to the landfill. Items brought to the sea container will be processed by CACL members for reuse. CACL has partnered with the Town of Antigonish and SFX University on this exciting project!

The partnership between DirectioNS & Divert NS continues to be marked by significant achievements and progress in Nova Scotia’s waste diversion landscape. With the funding support from Divert NS, DirectioNS has inspired enthusiasm and commitment among its member agencies to make a lasting impact on waste reduction in the province.