Clean Up Peterborough Collects Over 26,000 Writing Instruments to Be Recycled
/Clean Up Peterborough (CUP) has wrapped up its month-long Writing Instrument Challenge and collected 26,772 used writing instruments from June 1 to 30.
Including smaller efforts from the past year, CUP has now collected 28,805 writing instruments since joining TerraCycle’s program in October last year. Photo courtesy of Clean Up Peterborough.
This included pens, markers, highlighters and mechanical pencils through 92 collection points the City and County of Peterborough.
“Our original target was 50,000, but the true goal was always to spark a wider conversation about waste diversion and community action,” said Steve Paul, Clean Up Peterborough founder. “In just one month, we reached thousands of people, saw 92 collection points established, and inspired many partners to continue collecting year-round. That impact far exceeded our expectations.”
The final tally was 158.11 kilograms of writing instruments — the equivalent of 18 full bags and one box — to be recycled through TerraCycle’s specialized program.
The following were the top three contributors:
Lakefield District Public School – 3,542 items
Douro-Dummer Municipal Office – 1,314 items
Avant Garden Shop – 1,138 items
