B.C. awards Binners’ Project $115,000 for recycling training on DTES

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — An organization that supports Vancouver binners is getting more than $100,000 from the province to further develop their skills as recycling workers.

For the first time, the Binners’ Project will be receiving provincial funding. The $115,000 will be used to help provide skills and essential training to Downtown Eastside workers.

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The Binners’ Project’s Davin Boutang says the classroom training will focus on recycling, sorting, and waste diversion.

“It’s kind of a game-changer for our project,” he tells NEWS 1130.

“We’re going to be working with them on soft skills and hard skills, meaning best practices in recycling. This is something that’s going to make the binners work better.”

Boutang says it will be a peer-to-peer training and the curriculum will likely evolve over time.

“That’s the only way it will be impactful,” he says.

Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction Shane Simpson says binners in the Downtown Eastside have developed a successful economic model.

“This unique training program will make a difference in the lives of marginalized people and give them stability and confidence knowing they play a vital role in the workforce while contributing to their community,” he says in a release.

According to the province, up to 26 people living and working on the Downtown Eastside will be able to gain new training because of the funding.

“Hopefully it will make us expand and grow, get more clients,” Boutang says.

-With files from Paul James