Supporters and local residents got a chance to see the new Blue Sky Opportunities recycling plant in Altona.

The ribbon was cut Thursdaymorning to officially open the $2.5 million facility.

Blue Sky Participants cut the ribbon to officially open the new recycling facilityThe project was four years in the making, and was marked by a rather short fundraising period. The project received tremendous support from the community and surrounding area, raising over $950,000 in just eight months. In fact, total donations to this point amount to $1.15 million.

"The support our community has shown is undeniably amazing... and more donations continue to surface," said Richard Neufeld, General Manager of Blue Sky.

Some of that continued support was seen during West Park School's annual Clean-A-Thon fundraiser for Blue Sky this spring. Students this year raised a record $27,000 during the event.

Overall, the project has received seven grants totaling $115,000, private donations of $325,000, and business donations of $710,000.

According to Neufeld, they were able to use local trades and suppliers in the construction of the plant.

"We are proud to say we accomplished this goal. From the beginning, this has been a community project. We should all be proud about the realization of this dream. On behalf of the board, staff, myself and the people we support, we offer our heartfelt 'thank you,'" said Neufeld.

The new facility has the ability to process over 2,000 metric tonnes of recycled material annually, well above the 430 metric tonnes in the old plant. As a result of the increased capacity, Blue Sky is able to provide weekly recycling pick-up services instead of bi-weekly.

"That's good for the community, the environment, and helps to ensure less garbage makes it to the landfill," said Neufeld.