Vocational Electronics Recycling Network Takes the Blue Star Recycling Model to Smaller Cities

The VERN Project (Vocational Electronics Recycling Network) is aimed at expanding Blue Star Recyclers' mission to use the ethical recycling of electronics as a way to create jobs for people with disAbilities by forming partnerships between public and private entities. VERN was created to maximize the local economic impact in each of the communities we serve. Through these partnerships, Blue Star Recyclers can establish a local resource where residents can conveniently recycle electronics, while simultaneously supporting the creation of local jobs for people with disAbilities.  

Community partners for the VERN Project include:

 Community Intersections, a human services non-profit headquartered in
  Colorado Springs

 InspirationFIeld, a human services non-profit headquartered in La Junta

 Southern Colorado Services and Recycling, a locally owned and operated
  latex paint recycler in Pueblo

 Canon City School District in Canon City

The VERN model was launched in Colorado Springs through the partnership between Blue Star Recyclers and Community Intersections in March of 2010. In October of 2011, VERN was expanded to include Canon City, La Junta, and Pueblo through a grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). Through the CDPHE grant, Blue Star Recyclers will help each partner develop the collection operation, create the jobs program, ensure environmentally responsible downstream companies process the recycled material and market its program to the local community. Read the full press release.

The Project in the Media

Local media hailed the introduction of the VERN Project in two cities. 

Read more:

Daily Record in Canon City, Canon City, CO

Tribune-Democrat, LaJunta