There’s a new aluminum recycling drop-off site in town, specifically in the back parking lot at Sacred Waters Brewing Company off U.S. Highway 2. The trailer is another addition to Ryan Ellis’ mission to bring recycling to the Flathead Valley and Bad Rock Canyon, an undertaking I wrote about earlier this summer.
Ellis has two other trailers built to accept cans and other aluminum objects in the parking lot at Park Provisions, a grab-and-go fresh food market and restaurant located in Coram, and at the Columbia Falls Farmers Market. Part of the proceeds collected from the aluminum has gone toward volunteer trails organization Gateway to Glacier and the Coram Fire Department.
A portion of funds from the Sacred Waters trailer will go to the Flathead Rivers Alliance.
“This partnership bridges our day-to-day life in the Flathead Basin with the stewardship that keeps this watershed thriving for future generations,” Sheena Pate, executive director of the Flathead Rivers Alliance, said in a press release.
The new aluminum recycling trailer is located in the back parking lot, behind the brewery’s backyard, and features a large door that allows locals to tip full recycling bins directly into it. The trailer is open for drop-offs 24/7.
Ellis is currently working with Whitefish community members to potentially set up a fourth recycling trailer somewhere in the resort mountain town.
I’m Zoë Buhrmaster, dispensing out today’s Daily Roundup. Continue on for more about the intertwining of beer and river conservation efforts.
In collaboration with the river alliance, Sacred Waters has begun mapping out plans for a limited-edition beer in 2026 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Flathead Wild & Scenic River designation. The brewery and nonprofit are currently looking for a local artist to design a label for the beverage. Themes and inspiration include “landscapes, wildlife, spirit, and cultural significance of the Flathead Wild & Scenic River.”
The brewery will accept art submissions through Nov. 30. The chosen artist will receive a prize package, public recognition and participate in the beer’s rollout. The winner will be announced on Dec. 6 during the alliance’s pint night at Sacred Waters. More information on art guidelines and submission details can be found on the alliance’s website here.
If you can’t wait until next year to start drinking your support for our local rivers, Sacred Waters currently has another collab with the alliance on tap, the South Fork Sessions IPA. The peachy-apricot beer features hops from New Zealand and Washington state, and 10 cents from every pint in the taproom goes to the alliance. If you’re a sucker for the mildly malty and hoppy, be sure to make your way to the brewery before the limited-release beer runs dry.
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