Each year the Grand River Conservation Authority recognizes the efforts of individuals and groups by presenting awards for outstanding examples of conservation and environmental work.  Among the winners, was Greentec International for its achievements through the Think Recycle recycling program.

Tony Perrotta always had a passion for the environment.  Ten years after starting his company, Greentec International, he has opened a large new Cambridge facility.  It recycles laser and inkjet cartridges as well as cell phones, with used items arriving from across the continent.

This way, they don’t end up in a landfill site where they emit toxic contaminants that can get from the landfill site into the water.

Think Recycle allows schools, community groups and sports clubs to collect print cartridges and cell phones and turn them into money for their organizations.

Think Recycle has diverted over 500,000 cartridges and cell phones from landfill sites and provided over $1,000,000 in funding to its participants. 

Clarica, for instance, has raised money for the GRCA’s rail-trail program through Think Recycle.

Through partnerships with Tree Canada and American Forests, Think Recycle plants one tree seedling for every 12 rebated cartridges or cell phones returned.  More than 20,000 trees have been planted, removing over 3,000 tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere.

Greentec is also committed to supporting the Grand River Conservation Foundation’s Living Classroom Campaign for Outdoor Education.  The company expects to raise $200,000 for this through Think Recycle.