Editable-Baltimore's Fair Development Plan for Zero Waste - Flipbook - Page 44
Reuse-Based Social Enterprise
Reuse-based social enterprises divert valuable materials including mattresses, furniture, books, and
appliances from incinerators and landfills through reuse and repair to create economic, social and
environmental benefits. St. Vincent de Paul of Lane County, Oregon (SVdP) a leading waste-based social
enterprise has achieved these outcomes in pursuing zero waste:
ENVIRONMENT: SVdP diverted a total of 30,488,270 pounds of materials from landfills and incinerators in
2017 including 353,000 mattresses recycled. Other materials diverted for reuse include: 8,786,652 pounds
of books, 164,307 pounds of shoes, belts and purses and 66,431 pounds of videos and cds.
JOBS: SVdp creates full-time living wage jobs, including health care benefits, marketable skills, and a career
path. SVdP employs 463 people in its reuse-based enterprises, many of whom have barriers to employment
and career training.
ECONOMY: SVdP generates revenue to fund social programs and services through the sale of diverted
materials. In 2017, SVdP’s mattress recycling businesses yielded $1.4 million in net income.
COMMUNITY: SVdP repairs or repurposes diverted materials for sale as quality goods at
affordable prices. SVdP uses revenue from the sale of reused goods to assists low-income people
to obtain affordable housing.
