Winnifred Stewart and Roper Road Bottle Depot Join Forces in Win-WINN Partnership  

February 1, 2024

7 million donated beverage containers bolster Winnifred Stewart’s community-building, employment, and housing options for people with intellectual disabilities.   

EDMONTON – Winnifred Stewart and the Roper Road Bottle Depot (RRBD) today announced a multi-year partnership that will multiply the impact of Winnifred Stewart’s Empties to WINN beverage container donation program for people with intellectual disabilities. For every container donated to Empties to WINN, RRBD will provide the eligible deposit return plus a portion of its collection incentives to WS to invest in its programming and housing for people with intellectual disabilities.

“Every year, Albertans in the Edmonton metropolitan area donate more than 7 million beverage containers through Empties to WINN,” explains Emily Ruttan, Chief Executive Officer for WS. “Through our partnership with RRBD, our donors’ generosity goes even further to support WS and our mission to walk alongside adults with intellectual disabilities, amplifying their right to belong and fostering community inclusion.”

WS started collecting donated beverage containers to receive the deposit return in 2006. The program started with WS scheduling and picking up containers from residents in one Edmonton neighbourhood. With its convenience, local impact, and the incredible support of donors, the program has grown to include residents, condos, businesses, and schools in more than 375 neighbourhoods in the capital region.

“Empties to WINN is the ultimate feel-good program,” explains Emily. “Donors receive a tax receipt for the value of their donated beverage containers, know their containers will be recycled into new goods right here in North America, and benefit from RRBD topping up their donation so that it has an even greater social impact.”

For its part, RRBD will receive and process an average of 28,000 beverage containers in its southeast Edmonton location every day. With highly accurate beverage container sorting and counting technology and a dedicated team that has long-embraced community-building initiatives, it is prepared and excited to help WS growth its program even further.

“Albertans returned more than 2 billion beverage containers to bottle depots last year – making beverage container returns a mini economy unto themselves,” shares Naz Nurani, RRBD Depot Operator. “We see the generosity of Albertans every day in our depot, and are thrilled to do our part to celebrate the work of WS and support community inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities."

Empties to WINN operates year-round, and picks up donated beverage containers in Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Fort Saskatchewan, and/or Beaumont. Individuals, groups, and organizations are encouraged to sign up for doorstep bottle collection – and their accompanying tax receipt – through Winnifred Stewart’s Empties to WINN program at WinnifredStewart.com. Beverage containers can also be donated to WS by visiting the RRBD, although tax receipts are not provided for on-site donations.

About Winnifred Stewart

Winnifred Stewart (WS) is an Edmonton-based non-profit that, for 70 years, has empowered and supported individuals with diverse abilities, assisting them with meeting their potential and having full lives in an inclusive, supportive community. WS provides accommodation for people with intellectual disabilities through independent and supported living arrangements as well as a wide range of day programs, employment, and volunteer supports. Winnifred’s Stewarts Vision is that people with diverse abilities have a voice, choice and a place to belong for their entire life.

About Roper Road Bottle Depot

Roper Road Bottle Depot (RRBD) is an independently owned and operated bottle depot located in southeast Edmonton. With over 25 years of dedicated service, RRBD has stood as a cornerstone of Edmonton's vibrant community. We take pride in providing exceptional beverage recycling services to the city's diverse population and, in turn, supporting our community through fundraising initiatives and strategic planned giving

In 2020, RRBD made a significant investment in high-speed automated beverage container sorting and counting technology to ensure our valued customers experience a highly efficient and convenient beverage container return process. Embark on a journey with RRBD towards a more sustainable future, where beverage container recycling is not only effortless but also characterized by state-of-the-art technology. Join us in contributing to a greener tomorrow.

For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact: 

Emily Ruttan (she/her)
Chief Executive Officer, Winnifred Stewart
780-405-3756