THE DIVERTERS'
FOUNDATION
Dedicated to creating economic opportunities, de-stigmatizing diverting (bottle collection, waste picking, or binning), diverting waste, and promoting social cohesion among members of the diverter community.
Diverting waste, diverting lives
ABOUT
WHO ARE WE?
The Diverters' Foundation is a registered not-for-profit society, created in August 2020 in Victoria, British Columbia.
The membership of The Diverters' Foundation are waste diverters (also known as binners or waste pickers).
The mission and work of the membership is supported by a core group of volunteers.
WHAT DOES THE DIVERTERS' FOUNDATION DO?
The Diverters' Foundation delivers community programs to help provide skills and economic opportunities for marginalized people in Victoria.
The initiative focuses primarily in the Municipality of Victoria which has a large concentration of people impacted by homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges.
The organization supports diverters as valued members of the community by valuing their knowledge about diverting, providing accountability, and building social networks; thereby laying the groundwork for them to improve their quality of life and to build more sustainable communities.
WHAT DO DIVERTERS DO?
Check recycling bins for correct separation, including mixed paper, newsprint, cardboard, organics, recyclable containers and refundable bottles;
Flatten boxes and remove bottles and cans to create more space for other waste;
Collect refundable containers on foot, by car or on bicycles and take the material to local depots for processing and recycling. Members retain deposits collected; and,
Educate the public on correct material separation.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
An opportunity to work and contribute in one’s community, earning a basic living, can significantly impact a person’s sense of worth and belongingness. Some people are less able to achieve this in more traditional forms of employment and can become disenfranchised falling into poverty.
We believe there are many such people, including diverters, with strong work ethics who want and like to work.
It is the job of civil society and organizations like The Diverters' Foundation to assist such people in finding less traditional forms of work that match their needs. We believe that work which also contributes to the well-being of the environment and a circular economy further enriches the experience of diverters.
While The Diverters' Foundation facilitates contracts and community programs, the ultimate goal is for the Foundation to be diverter-managed and operated.
CONTACT US
Get in touch with The Diverters' Foundation to learn more about our work and how you can get involved. Feel free to fill out the form below or email:
MEET SOME OF OUR SUPPORTERS
Meet our funders, sponsors, and partners who we've worked with!
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