Construction on the new Blue Sky Opportunities recycling facility in Altona is starting to take shape. Construction began last September and was scheduled to take up to six months to complete at an estimated cost of $2.5 million.

"In the last couple of months due to weather in the fall and other challenges we were a bit behind schedule, however in the last month it really feels like we have caught up and our March 31st deadline can be met," said General manager of Blue Sky Opportunities Richard Neufeld.

Neufeld went on to say all the floors are poured, the drywall is up in the front office. The new facility also has geothermal heating that was officially turned on as of Monday.

"Even though it may be more expensive initially, geothermal covers the cost of air conditioning, reduces overall operating costs and makes a better work space for employees as we head into the future," explained Neufeld.

The new facility will definitely increase the volume of recycled materials when compared to the old system which currently collects 430 metric tonnes annually.

"With the new plant, we will be able to manage well over 2000 metric tonnes annually, so our intent is to increase the volume which makes the new facility more efficient and cost effective. This allows us to pick up recycling in the community weekly instead of bi-weekly. It's a proven fact that picking up recycling more frequently increases the amount of material people recycle, which in turn is good for the community, the environment and ensures less garbage makes it to the landfill."

The new facility will be able to recycle and bail more commodities like aluminium, tin, plastic, and paper along with cardboard, thus generating more revenue which goes back into the community while cutting waste costs for residents.

"The budget went up around $300,000 from the original estimate due to needing more space to accommodate the community. However our original fundraising budget was set at $950,000 which we have also surpassed, we are currently sitting at about one million and fifteen thousand dollars reducing our overall deficit to what we originally planned to operate with upon completion of the project," explained Neufeld.

Equipment for the new facility is scheduled to arrive around March 13th and the estimated date of completion is the end of March. Neufeld did mention that he plans on having the staff working at the new facility for about a month to ensure they are ready before holding a grand opening event for everyone to attend.