Aluminum recycling at Habitat: building support one can at a time

Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region is proud to announce a major milestone in its sustainability journey: ranking 5th out of Habitat affiliates nationwide in aluminum recycling through its partnership with Novelis, the global leader in aluminum rolling and recycling.

In 2025, Habitat La Crosse collected 8,908 pounds of aluminum—a mix of cans, ReClaim materials, and recycled ReStore donations. This achievement reflects the community’s growing commitment to environmental stewardship and affordable housing.

The aluminum recycling program, launched by Novelis and Habitat for Humanity International, transforms every can collected into support for building and repairing homes in the Coulee Region. Novelis provides recycling bins and grant funding to participating affiliates, making sustainability a powerful tool for impact. Combined cash from recycling and grants from Novelis totaled almost $7,000 in direct financial support for Habitat’s homeownership programs.

“Recycling is just one more way Habitat is working toward a more sustainable future,” said Stefanie Kline, Sustainability Coordinator at Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region. “Every can counts—not just for the environment, but for the families we serve, as all proceeds from recycling go directly to support our programming.”

2025 was a breakthrough year thanks to expanded partnerships. Highlights include:

• Flyway Fence Company (Holmen): Donated custom-sized cages for easy collection.
• D&M Recycling and Hilltopper Refuse & Recycling Service, Inc.: Responsibly processed cans, with proceeds supporting Habitat programs.
• Omni Center (Onalaska): New collection site for concerts, sporting events, and public gatherings.
• La Crosse County Parks: Swarthout and Veterans (West Salem), Goose Island (La Crosse) and local campgrounds: Whiskey Creek Family RV Park (Sparta) and Whispering Pines Campground (Holmen) joined as collection partners.

Businesses, schools, and community groups can join the effort by donating cans at the above locations, hosting a can cage, or promoting recycling. The Habitat ReStore at 3181 Berlin Drive, in La Crosse also offers a convenient drop-off location—shop and recycle in one stop! Together, we can build homes—and a greener future—one can at a time.

For more information or to become a collection partner, reach out to [email protected]