Just in time for Halloween, Tina Krapsi has been collecting bottles of Baileys and Grand Marnier with her signature multi “seasonal blend” vision. and orange glass are some of BackYard Sapphire’s newest sustainable offerings.
Crapsi and her partner Dawn Vincent started BackYard Sapphire during the pandemic as an answer to Lafayette’s glass recycling shortage and to combat boredom due to lockdowns. Collecting glass provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded people and solve problems that have plagued Lafayette residents since the City of Lafayette renegotiated her recycling agreement in 2016. I was.
“Everybody talks about not wanting to throw glass,” says Vincent. “When we started, we were hoarding people. You see a lot of boxes, like they’ve been in the barn for years and years, and you’re like, ‘Finally someone’s taking them.’ I’ve had this happen several times. “
Vincent currently collects about 1,500 pounds of glass a week and estimates it plans to recycle 40 tons by the end of 2022. Increased demand has taken the BackYard Sapphire (literally) from the backyard to Scott’s industrial warehouse.
Crapsi uses a large agitator in his workshop to turn thick, colorful bottles into glass mulch, which he sells at places like Koi and Pack & Paddle. Other glasses they collect are hand crushed and sifted into fine sand.
“We kill ourselves by trying to keep the cost of recycling as low as possible, which is very expensive,” says Crapsi. “I’ve put a little scratch on the Lafayette waste now. But maybe I can put a dent in it.”
To make that dent, we need funds to support our growing recycling business and curbside collection demand. Crapsi and Vincent want more local businesses to pay for their recycling services. BackYard Sapphire recently partnered with Lafayette-based startup RoadRunnerApp to outsource its pickups. On Tuesdays and Saturdays there is a drop off location at the Fightinville Fresh Farmers’ Market.
Dropping glass or paying a convenient fee for curbside pickup takes far less effort than grinding and shattering glass, Crapsi and Vincent say anyone can do it.
“People obviously want to recycle, and not everyone can build a recycling company,” says Crapsi.
Vincent says the Lafayette Consolidated Government recycling program has taken an interest in their efforts and partnered with them to recycle sandbags. But she doesn’t think LCG’s recycling of street glass will make a comeback anytime soon. To continue closing the gap, BackYard Sapphire is looking to create new revenue streams. That’s one reason Crapsi and Vincent are pushing their new products (T-shirts and Koozies) and seasonal multi-blends. They are planning blue and white for Christmas.
“We are always grateful for the support,” says Crapsi. “The more we get, the bigger we can get. Every time we can push it up a notch, we really do.”
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