Summit County Citizens Voice

Old boards, boots being re-purposed

Your old snowboard may end up somewhere other than the landfill, thanks to an expanding recycling program spearheaded by SnowSports Industries America. Bob Berwyn photo.

By Summit Voice

FRISCO — Thanks to some grant funding from Colorado and the persistence of industry partners and stakeholders, SnowSports Industries America says it hopes to expand its equipment recycling program with new locations in Boise, Reno, Albuquerque and Phoenix.

The grant funds were recently used to purchase additional equipment needed for the six-step process of separating, reducing down and re-purposing the collected equipment into a material used in construction, landscaping, furniture and fixtures.

SIA created the Snow Sports Recycling Program looking to reduce environmental impact, conserve natural resources and encourage sustainable design within the snow sports industry.  Plus, there’s an added incentive for snow sports retailers — approximately 67 percent of consumers dropping off equipment make some form of purchase, giving retailers a good reason to get involved.

Currently, 68 storefronts and retailers have committed to participating in the Snow Sports Recycling Program. The program is accepting equipment in the Denver and Salt Lake City metro areas, with slated openings in Boise, Reno, Albuquerque and Phoenix.

Specialty Sports Venture, one of the largest specialty retailers in the country, was the first retailer to be involved and has worked closely with the SIA Snow Sports Foundation in developing a manageable and successful snow sports recycling program. The recycling program continues to look for advocates in communities willing to help coordinate events and drop off sites in locations throughout Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.

To help fund the future of the Snow Sports Recycling Program, participating retailers ask consumers to contribute $1 when they purchase new adult equipment (skis or snowboards), rental tickets or service items such as tuning and waxing — all fees are completely optional. The SIA Snow Sports Foundation has also provided additional funds to maintain the program.

For more information on the Snow Sports Recycling Program please go-to: snowsrp.org.  Retailers can sign-up for the program or receive additional information by emailing: SSRPinfo@snowsports.org.

Filed under: Colorado, Environment, recreation, skiing and riding Tagged: | Environment, recycling, skiing, snowboarding, snowsports industries america