Habitat for Humanity and Novelis announced today the launch of a new initiative that encourages local communities to recycle more. Through this programme, Novelis, a global leader in aluminium rolling and recycling, is providing recycling bins and monetary grants to help Habitat organisations across the US and Canada increase neighbourhood sustainability.

The recycling initiative begins on 1 June  and invites 140 local Habitat organisations to work with their local civic groups, businesses and community partners to improve sustainability in their communities.

“As a longtime partner of Habitat for Humanity, Novelis is proud to support this recycling initiative at a time when recycling rates are trending downward, and the need for safe, affordable housing continues to trend upward,” said Ashley Gravlee, corporate social responsibility manager at Novelis. “Aluminium is the most valuable material in our recycle bins and can be a sustainable source of funding for organisations like Habitat that can use the value of recycled aluminium to increase access to affordable housing.”

During the pilot phase of the initiative, which began in November of last year, 39 Habitat organisations competed to collect the most aluminium. Together, over three months, they collected and recycled one million aluminium cans. Novelis donated $5,000 to the winning Habitat organisation and $1,000 to each Habitat organisation that participated. Funds will be used to address the specific housing needs of each respective community.

“Novelis has been a significant partner in helping us carry out our social responsibility to continuously find improved ways to take better care of our neighbourhoods,” said Colleen Finn Ridenhour, chief development officer at Habitat for Humanity International. “Safe, affordable housing can only be sustainable in healthy environments and this initiative is just one of the ways Novelis is helping us revitalise communities.

“With one million cans collected in just a few months, we look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together as this initiative grows.”