Week 9: June 26 - June 30

Terrace Bottle Depot

Way out in bear country, Return-It Man thought it would be wise to pack some supplies, bear spray, first aid kit and even a couple trail maps. He was pleasantly surprised when he rolled into town and found that not only were there no bears, but there were also some great shops, tons of people and plenty of recycling charm. Ida even drove all the way from the coast to see Return-It Man promote her depot. Return-It Man was elated to see her and had to admit that he forgot that Terrace was a great little bumping town. To be honest, Return-It Man had prepared himself for bears and wilderness, not hockey, smiles and great recyclers. “You city super heroes always forget that we Northern Folk know how to celebrate” teased Ida. Indeed, Return-It Man was pushing around the biggest party cart he had ever seen. Tunes included, he made his way to the Canadian with all stops in between, by the time he got back his cart was completely empty... not a single prize, goody or drink. After the big mp3 player draw, Return-It Man sat down to some delicious pizza, compliments of Ida and her crew. “Well” said Return-It Man, “I didn't have any bear encounters, but I sure did spot some keen recyclers.”

Kensington Square Return-It Centre

Even Return-It Man has to stop and smell the roses... Usually Return-It Man is best known for his bold recycling, incredible wit and charm. But here at the Kensington Square Return-It Centre, the kind hearted depot staff really brought out a new side in our hero. It was less bouncing and jumping and a lot more prancing and posing. Return-It Man brought his new self to the local plaza where consumers where overwhelmed by his candor and restraint: "Wow this new Return-It Man is very polite, in fact he reminds me of my grandmother". "I can't believe he's a Super Hero, I couldn't picture him getting his hands dirty". After a few hours of meet and greet, Return-It Man, satisfied with the mornings work, decided it was time to head back for the mp3 player draw. At that moment, from across the street, Return-It Man saw a young lad toss a pop bottle in the garbage. "Hello sir" he shouted politely "Excuse me" he repeated. Then like a dormant volcano Return-It Man realized why he needs to dance all that energy out, he sprang into the air leaping across the street, "young man, you are denying that bottle of its home, please find somewhere to recycle him instead", asked Return-It Man in his deep, powerful recycling voice. Apologetic, the boy scooped up the container at once and made his way home. "I guess I'm not destined for discreteness”, thought Return-It Man as he passed a plant shop, "but that doesn't mean I can't stop to smell the roses".

Regional Recycling

Regional Recycling is always a party and this promotion did not disappoint. Return-It Man and Super Sidekick showed up just as the sun reached its highest point in the day. The heat was intense as were the smiles and high-fives. With the barbeque fired up, the depot had all its customers cheering and grooving to the tunes. "Wanna dance?" asked a couple of ladies to Return-It Man "I never turn down a dance" exclaimed Return-It Man. He then proceeded to start a Conga Line, pretty soon the whole crowd had joined in and it felt like Mardi Gras! Return-It Man brought all this energy to the road, crossing the overpass, he directed the cars to the depot. Over at the local hardware store it was all recycling business as he reminded staff and customers that the depot next door was their spot for recycling. Dashing back for the mp3 player draw Return-It Man was starting to feel the heat, but was rejuvenated when he realized that the prize winner was one of the depots best customers! A bit of good Karma thought Return-It Man. Great work Regional Recycling!

BBK Bottle Depot

Return-It Man was remembering last year’s promotion at BBK Bottle Depot. “Do we need to set our alarms?” asked Super Sidekick as they settled into their deluxe sweet at the Coast Hotel. “Of course not” replied Return-It Man. This depot is one of the loudest around, the only thing more amazing than the volume is the speed this depot sorts its returns... Quickest bunch in the Province, I'll use my Super Sonar Hearing and wake up with the BBK Bottle Depot's clanging, crunching and sorting. That night our two Heroes dreamed of hockey highlights, big rig trucks and the sweet smell of recycling. Sure enough, Return-It Man woke up at the crack of dawn, he and Super Sidekick were at the depot before the first return. The staff was all ready for the celebration, music cranked and smiles blazing, the depot lit up with excitement when Return-It Man set up all his swag and began his TM dance moves. As the day moved on, Return-It Man decided to take his show on the road...Costco, Future Shop and Superstore couldn't get enough of him, “when are you coming back! ” “ Where is the Depot?!” “We love you Return-It!” Back at the depot, Super Sidekick was preparing the draw. BBK Bottle Depot had collected so many ballots that it took him almost fifteen minutes to mix the bag (almost 10,000 entries!). In the end, IPOD winner Kevin Brasier couldn't have been happier, “I guess I'll be using iTunes now” he giggled, “Great day! Great staff! Thanks BBK Bottle Depot!”

Surrey Central Return-It

Return-It Man thought that it would be in good form if he moon-walked his way into the Surrey Central Return-It. In fact the whole day was a Michael Jackson tribute. Dancing and singing, Return-It Man made his way to the streets. Now, on any given day it can be taxing bringing smiles to everyone’s face, but it is a true gift and super hero skill to walk onto the scene of a fender bender and cheer up both parties. Not a formal mediator, Return-It Man was able to bring everyone together and lift the general mood in the atmosphere. Later on it was over to the local shops and boutiques where Return-It Man was extra popular and even got a free massage... even Super Heroes need some TLC. As the sun closed in on noon, Return-It Man started to roast, he decided to seek shelter in the depot, realizing that he hadn't played any tunes yet, he pulled out the stereo and got all the patrons grooving as he drew the IPOD winner. Wheuf, a smokin' hot time in Surrey, thanks to the staff and recyclers!

Chilliwack Bottle Depot

All was quiet on the Western Front when Return-It Man and Super Sidekick rolled into Chilliwack. Return-It Man warmed up with a stroll around the premises, waiting for that first patron of the celebration to step through the depot doors. Lucky for Return-It Man, his first customers where a fun loving family who were anticipating seeing the famed Mascot. This got our Hero off on the right foot and really got his mojo working. Waving at pedestrians and then bouncing around roadside, he got the car honks going; in fact he got the passing cars waving so well he thought maybe it was time to pay a visit to the classic car show happening down the street. Cotton Candy, Hot Dogs and Hot Rods... Return-It Man was in heaven! He was even happier when he realized that the event organizers were making sure all beverage containers were brought back to the Depot. "This calls for some serious giveaways!" shouted Return-It Man. "Balloons for everyone!" he exclaimed. What a great day, recycling and classic cars, you don't get much better than that.

D.C. Campbell Recycling

Return-It Man flew into the depot bright and early.  He had heard there was something fishy going at D.C. Campbell Recycling but he didn't think it would be literal. A tank of about a dozen guppies sits at the depot entrance, “They're our greeting committee as well as security” said one of the depot's staff. “I guess in the current recession we’re in, you need to know where to save money”, joked Return-It Man. Outside, Return-It Man could smell the barbeque, through the window a group of kids were eying the balloons on display. Return-It Man dashed outside, chatted up recycling with the kids and of course gave them balloons, tattoos, and the coveted Frisbees. Cruising into town Return-It Man made a few stops; a grocery store, a local shopping store and Mile Zero - the famous start of the Alaska Highway.  This is where Return-It Man ran into a couple of unique characters. Mike, a fellow who drove the Alaska Highway school bus for thirty years, and Debbie whose son is bike touring from Anchorage to Argentina to raise money for autism. Wow! thought Return-It Man, what great people live up here. To top the day off Return-It Man was pleased to announce that Dawson Creek is a strong recycling community!

FSJ Bottle Drop

“Well, here we are” thought Return-It Man, “the end of the promotion and the rain is just coming down in buckets; this is not the way I want to end my Province wide tour.” Poor Return-It Man and Super sidekick dragged their feet into the depot. “Sorry”, said our hero, it looks like we brought the rain. “Oh, come on!” said the staff, “We're counting on you my friend, rain or shine, sleet or snow, you’ve gotta bring it!” With a little kick in the pants, Return-It Man realized that it isn't about the weather, it's about recycling! With this new found energy he decided to head to the mall. “I bet I'll find tons of people!” And sure enough, he did. Speaking with all sorts of Fort St. Johners while hiding from the rain, our heroes found that the town was very concerned with where their beverage containers ended up. In fact, one family drove three and a half hours from Fort Nelson to do their recycling! After some more great conversations and a tasty orange beverage, Return-It Man was singing in the rain all over town. Return-It Man's good mojo spread fast and pretty soon everyone wanted a piece of the action, in fact, one of the Depot Staff's daughters, Heather decided to be Return-It Man's new Sidekick.  She was fantastic, singing and dancing right alongside our Heroes. Way to go Fort St. John, you helped us beat the weather! And an extra big thanks to Heather, our honorary Super Sidekick.