The House that Cans Built

When you recycle, you really can make a difference.

Aluminum cans recycled from Amtrak Missouri River Runner trains will now be donated to the River City Habitat for Humanity in Jefferson City, Mo., to help build a house for a deserving family.

Starting this week, aluminum cans collected from the twice-daily St. Louis-Kansas City service will be dropped off daily at the capital city Amtrak station. The River City Habitat for Humanity's Aluminum Can Recycling Committee will use the proceeds from the cans on a home currently under construction at 815 Montana in Jefferson City. The project is known as the "house that cans built" because it's primarily funded by the group's recycling committee and programs such as this one by Amtrak passengers.

"Amtrak is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation and we are striving to make it even greener in Missouri," said MoDOT Rail Administrator Rod Massman. "By implementing a recycling program, we will reduce waste and help protect the environment. At the same time, we will help a family realize the American dream of owning a home."

Eco-savvy Amtrak riders can now recycle aluminum cans across the national network of Amtrak trains. Amtrak is committed to making recycling an integral part of train travel and strives to protect the environment and conserve its resources by reusing material, recycling waste and preventing pollution.