I partnered with the Ucluelet Chamber of Commerce for this Running Shoe Recycling project as they host the annual Edge2Edge Races every October. With my $500 grant, I ordered a Large Zero Waste Box (15″ x 15″ x 42″) from TerraCycle. The Large was over budget, but I was able to get a 20% off promotional discount, so I saved!
The box arrived with plenty of time to spare. I was allowed to place it at the entrance of the Ucluelet community centre for a week leading up to the race event. The Chamber helped me promote the project on social media and I personally shared it on the Facebook.
We received more old stinky running shoes than could fit! In total, the project sent 33 running shoes to be recycled. I think it might be worthwhile to get a super sack next time as with little promotion or time for people to drop their old shoes, the space filled up very quickly.
A couple days after the collection and race day, I went and repacked the box with the help of a parks and rec staff and taped it up for shipping.
