Recycling Council of Alberta Recycling 101

1. Recycling Council of AlbertaRecycling 101 The Basics of Recycling in Alberta

2. 2008 Provincial Trends

3. Provincial Waste Disposal

4. Provincial Waste Disposal

5. Provincial Waste Diversion

6. Provincial Waste Diversion

7. What used to be in the waste stream? http://www.wastewatch.org.uk/informtn/history.htm - 1930s Historic waste composition information shows how waste stream has changed.Historic waste composition information shows how waste stream has changed.

8. Sources of Waste Materials generated in Alberta Shows breakdown of waste from different sectors.Shows breakdown of waste from different sectors.

9. Composition of Residential Waste Breakdown of residential waste – note by weight. Materials like plastic that are light actually take up more space.Breakdown of residential waste – note by weight. Materials like plastic that are light actually take up more space.

10. ICI Waste Composition Breakdown of waste in the ICI (Industrial, Commercial, Institutional) sector.Breakdown of waste in the ICI (Industrial, Commercial, Institutional) sector.

11. C&D Waste Composition Breakdown of Construction & Demolition waste.Breakdown of Construction & Demolition waste.

12. MSW Waste Composition Bringing together previous slides into overall Municipal Solid Waste, this is the overall breakdown. Highlight paper and organics as largest constituents.Bringing together previous slides into overall Municipal Solid Waste, this is the overall breakdown. Highlight paper and organics as largest constituents.

13. 3Rs definitions, as established by RCA. Important to note it is a hierarchy – important to prioritize in this order.3Rs definitions, as established by RCA. Important to note it is a hierarchy – important to prioritize in this order.

14. Mobius Loop Shows meaning of Mobius loop. 3 arrows refer to recycling process, which is not complete until the material has returned to the marketplace.Shows meaning of Mobius loop. 3 arrows refer to recycling process, which is not complete until the material has returned to the marketplace.

15. Trends in Recycling

16. City of Calgary Blue Cart Recycling Service for single family homes Community Recycling Depots Service for multi-family homes Network of over 50 depots From the early 1990’s to 2009, The City of Calgary operated a very efficient network of recycling depots to provide recycling services to residents. However, with the expansion of the types of material being accepted for recycling and the overwhelming use of the depot system, The City began collecting comingled recycling from single family homes in 2009. This system uses 240 litre carts and is collected by an automated collection truck. This change also allowed The City to expand the types of material accepted to include most plastics.From the early 1990’s to 2009, The City of Calgary operated a very efficient network of recycling depots to provide recycling services to residents. However, with the expansion of the types of material being accepted for recycling and the overwhelming use of the depot system, The City began collecting comingled recycling from single family homes in 2009. This system uses 240 litre carts and is collected by an automated collection truck. This change also allowed The City to expand the types of material accepted to include most plastics.

17. Calgary Recycling Depot Residential recycling in CalgaryResidential recycling in Calgary

18. Edmonton Blue bag, curbside pickup of recyclables Co-composter composts organics contained in the general waste stream Depots for drop-off of multi-family recyclables New program for blue bag collection of multi-family Year-round EcoStation household hazardous waste drop-off Due to previous difficulties with siting a landfill, a high priority is placed on maximizing diversion. The City of Edmonton has a two-stream collection system: 1) recyclables from houses in a blue bag and from multi-family residences in blue bins, 2) remainder in black bags/cans and mult-family dumpsters. Recyclables go to the MRF (Material Recycling Facility) for sorting; waste goes to Integrated Processing and Transfer Facility from which the organic portion goes to the composting facility, and residuals are pulled off for disposal. As of 2012, residuals from both streams will be converted to methanol and ethanol in a waste to biofuels facility. Still a depot system as well to service multi-family population and small businesses. Eco-Stations divert hazardous waste so it doesn’t contaminate the compost stream. E-waste and construction and demolition waste is recycled at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre.Due to previous difficulties with siting a landfill, a high priority is placed on maximizing diversion. The City of Edmonton has a two-stream collection system: 1) recyclables from houses in a blue bag and from multi-family residences in blue bins, 2) remainder in black bags/cans and mult-family dumpsters. Recyclables go to the MRF (Material Recycling Facility) for sorting; waste goes to Integrated Processing and Transfer Facility from which the organic portion goes to the composting facility, and residuals are pulled off for disposal. As of 2012, residuals from both streams will be converted to methanol and ethanol in a waste to biofuels facility. Still a depot system as well to service multi-family population and small businesses. Eco-Stations divert hazardous waste so it doesn’t contaminate the compost stream. E-waste and construction and demolition waste is recycled at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre.

19. Edmonton Program Recycling day in Edmonton.Recycling day in Edmonton.

20. Edmonton Co-Composter Edmonton Co-composter. Bottom photo is curing area (large rectangle in top picture).Edmonton Co-composter. Bottom photo is curing area (large rectangle in top picture).

21. Airdrie First Alberta community to implement “user-pay” garbage system Residents assigned bag limit of 5 Bags in 1992 Annual reductions bag limit now 2 Drop-off depot for collection of recyclables Opened new Westside recycling facility Participation rate – 72% Population ~38,091 Airdrie first community in Alberta to introduce user-pay. Avoided public backlash by starting with a bag limit of 5 bags (unlikely to have opposition to a bag limit this high). Then, as residents adjusted, the limit was reduced annually, until now at 2 bags. Recycling system is a drop-off depot – residents encouraged to use the depot by the bag limit. Graph shows how recycling increased much more than generation in the years following introduction of the bag limit. Residential recycling rates increase is due to the introduction of residential concrete and asphalt at their transfer site in 2008.Airdrie first community in Alberta to introduce user-pay. Avoided public backlash by starting with a bag limit of 5 bags (unlikely to have opposition to a bag limit this high). Then, as residents adjusted, the limit was reduced annually, until now at 2 bags. Recycling system is a drop-off depot – residents encouraged to use the depot by the bag limit. Graph shows how recycling increased much more than generation in the years following introduction of the bag limit. Residential recycling rates increase is due to the introduction of residential concrete and asphalt at their transfer site in 2008.

22. Rural Alberta Primarily drop-off depot collection of recyclables Varied levels of service Bag limits, user-pay and landfill bans common tools used to promote waste reduction Comments on programs in rural Alberta.Comments on programs in rural Alberta.

23. Strathcona County Green Routine

24. Edson & District Recycling Depot Edson an example of a successful rural waste diversion program. Photos show depot building, and outside drop-off area.Edson an example of a successful rural waste diversion program. Photos show depot building, and outside drop-off area.

25. CCME Stewardship Definition “[Packaging] stewardship is a concept by which industry, governments, and consumers assume a greater responsibility for ensuring that the manufacture, use, reuse, recycling, and disposal [of packaging] has a minimum impact on the environment.” Introduces concept of stewardship.Introduces concept of stewardship.

26. Alberta Stewardship Programs - Regulated Beverage Containers Scrap Tires Used Oil Materials Electronics Paint Alberta’s regulated stewardship programs.Alberta’s regulated stewardship programs.

27. Alberta Stewardship Programs - Non-Regulated / Voluntary Pesticide Containers (http://www.environment.alberta.ca/01535.html) Dead Drugs (Envirx)http://www.ec.gc.ca/epr/default.asp?lang=En&n=CDA75A7C-1 Portable Rechargeable Battery Collection (call2recycle.ca) Covers Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) and Small Sealed Lead (Pb) rechargeable batteries. Recycle My Cell (www.RecycleMyCell.ca) MoU for a Voluntary Strategy to Reduce Plastic Bag Distribution in Alberta Agreement made in June 2010 between Alberta Environment and Retail/Grocery Associations to reduce the per capita and overall distribution of plastic bags at point-of-sale from the amount distributed in 2008 by 30% by 2012 and by 50% by 2014. Alberta’s non-regulated stewardship programs.Alberta’s non-regulated stewardship programs.

28. Scrap Tires Program launched in 1992 Regulated retail advance disposal surcharge Program administered by non-profit stakeholder board (Alberta Recycling Management Authority – Tire Recycling Program) Dedicated Fund Board Funding Strategy Pay for results Value-added products Over 60 million tires recycled Description of tire stewardship program. Funds go into dedicated fund that is administered by ARMA – Tire Recycling Program, and pays processors based on what they produce. ARMA is a not-for-profit association responsible for managing Alberta’s tire, electronics and paint recycling programs. Known simply as “Alberta Recycling”, the organization reports to the Minister of Environment and is run by a Board of Directors representing many stakeholder groups.Description of tire stewardship program. Funds go into dedicated fund that is administered by ARMA – Tire Recycling Program, and pays processors based on what they produce. ARMA is a not-for-profit association responsible for managing Alberta’s tire, electronics and paint recycling programs. Known simply as “Alberta Recycling”, the organization reports to the Minister of Environment and is run by a Board of Directors representing many stakeholder groups.

29. Which Tires are Covered under the Program? “Almost every rubber tire produced can be shredded crumbled up and recycled into new product.” Passenger car, motorcycle and pickup truck tires - $4 All-terrain vehicle, forklift, skid-steer (bobcat) tires - $4 Tires on trucks, transporters, trailers and buses - $9 Industrial/Off-the-Road (OTR) Tires (except farm tires) Rims < 24” - $40 Rims > 24” - $100 Rims > 33” - $200 New fees (shown above) and inclusion of OTR tires effective April 1, 2011 New fees (shown above) and inclusion of OTR tires effective April 1, 2011

30. Recycled Tire Products Rubber patio bricks, tiles and mats Crumb instead of sand in playgrounds Spreadable poured-in-place playground cover Sports field and runningtrack applications Roofing products Undercushion Dairy “mattresses”

31. Used Oil Management Program Environmental Handling Charge (EHC) on new oil materials (oil, filters, plastic containers) Industry-established non-profit, AUOMA, governs funds Return Incentive (RI) paid for collection / transport to recyclers Similar program in effect in BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario Description of used oil program. Oil levy surplus (where the EHC is greater than the RI) offsets containers’ deficit (where the EHC is less than the RI). Filters almost break even (the EHC is about equal to the RI). Description of used oil program. Oil levy surplus (where the EHC is greater than the RI) offsets containers’ deficit (where the EHC is less than the RI). Filters almost break even (the EHC is about equal to the RI).

32. Environmental Handling Charges Paid by the first seller in the province to AUOMA, may be passed on to resellers / consumers Oil 5 cents per litre of new oil Filters $0.50 on filters under 8 inches in length, $1 per filter equal to or greater than 8” in length Containers 5 cents per litre-size of container (5 cents for a one-liter container; 20 cents for a four-litre container) EHC paid at wholesale level (first importer) and may be passed onto consumer, but not required.EHC paid at wholesale level (first importer) and may be passed onto consumer, but not required.

33. Recycled Products “Re-refined” Motor Oil Industrial Heating Oil Numerous Recycled Industrial Plastic Products New Oil Containers Railroad Ties Guardrail Posts Curbs and Fence Posts Plastic Pipe Dimensional Lumber Other Durable Goods Flower Pots Plastic Patio Furniture Recycled Industrial Metal Products New commercial plastic containers and other consumer products may come from washed, pelletized used oil containers. “Recycled” industrial plastic products such as rail road ties, guardrails, curbs and fence posts may come from unwashed / semi-washed, shredded used oil containers (either process for recycled feedstock or product is also incented by AUOMA). Recycled “industrial” metal products includes such things as rebar from scrap metal including crushed used oil filters.New commercial plastic containers and other consumer products may come from washed, pelletized used oil containers. “Recycled” industrial plastic products such as rail road ties, guardrails, curbs and fence posts may come from unwashed / semi-washed, shredded used oil containers (either process for recycled feedstock or product is also incented by AUOMA). Recycled “industrial” metal products includes such things as rebar from scrap metal including crushed used oil filters.

34. Beverage Container Recycling Return system established in 1972 Containers are returned for deposit at over 278 collection sites in Alberta (216 bottle depots for all products and 62 retail locations for beer only) >1.7 billion containers collected and recycled in 2009 (82% return rate) System established primarily to combat litter. Now promoted for its environmental benefits.System established primarily to combat litter. Now promoted for its environmental benefits.

35. Beverage Container Management System Deposit paid at retail level on ready to drink beverage containers (including milk) 10 cents on containers up to and including one litre 25 cents on containers larger than one litre 10 cents for beer bottles and cans Container Recycling Fee (CRF) shown visibly on till slips – non-refundable Deposit is fully refundable. As of June 1, 2009, all milk and cream containers have a refundable deposit on them when purchased at a retail outlet. CRF is like the fees paid in the other programs, in that it is used to pay for the recycling of the containers. CRF distinct and separate from deposit.Deposit is fully refundable. As of June 1, 2009, all milk and cream containers have a refundable deposit on them when purchased at a retail outlet. CRF is like the fees paid in the other programs, in that it is used to pay for the recycling of the containers. CRF distinct and separate from deposit.

36. Alberta’s Electronics Recycling Program Launched October 2004 Environmental fees collected on the sale of new eligible electronics in Alberta. Fees are used to: Collect, transport and recycle scrap electronics, Develop research into new recycling technologies, and Build awareness and support for the electronics recycling programs. More than 300 collection sites across Alberta Some communities hold e-waste roundup events Over 2,800,000 units or 53,500 tonnes of electronic components recycled   Figures updated March 2010 (confirmed to still be accurate as per albertarecycling.ca, Feb. 2011).Figures updated March 2010 (confirmed to still be accurate as per albertarecycling.ca, Feb. 2011).

37. Eligible Products and Recycling Fees Regulated advance disposal surcharge Televisions 18-inch screen and smaller: $15 19-inch to 29-inch screen: $25 30-inch to 45-inch screen: $30 46-inch and larger screen: $45 Computer Equipment Computer monitors (LCD and CRT): $12 CPUs and servers (also covers recycling of keyboard, mouse, cables, and speakers): $10 Printer/printer combinations: $8 Laptop and notebook computers: $5 In the future, a second phase is proposed to be added to the Program which will include more items in the categories of small kitchen appliances, audio visual, telecommunications and information technology.In the future, a second phase is proposed to be added to the Program which will include more items in the categories of small kitchen appliances, audio visual, telecommunications and information technology.

38. Paint Recycling Program Launched April 1, 2008 Over 225 collection sites have been established throughout Alberta Over 3.8 million litres of paint and 480,000 aerosol containers have been recycled Data to March 2010Data to March 2010

39. Paint Recycling Fees Unpressurized paint containers: 100 ml to 250 ml: $0.10 251 ml to 1 L: $0.25 1.01 L to 5 L: $0.75 5.01 L to 23 L: $2.00 Aerosol paint containers all sizes: $0.10 Paint is sorted into different streams and sent to processors Recycled into new paint, used for fuel blending, or sent for proper disposal if necessary

40. Stewardship Summary Stewardship programs have been successful in diverting waste Regulation provides level playing field to producers Dedicated funds ensure targeted programs DAOs maintain “arm’s length” from government DAO – Delegated Administrative OrganizationDAO – Delegated Administrative Organization

41. Impacts of recycling programs

42. Full Cost Analysis Need to consider more than financial bottom line when making program decisions.Need to consider more than financial bottom line when making program decisions.

43. Landfill Space Savings Garbage = 750 to 1250 lb/yd3 1 tonne garbage ~ 2-3 yd3 landfill space Key recyclables have lower densities, magnifying their impact on landfill costs: Cardboard: 750 lb/yd3 Plastic containers: 355 lb/yd3 Landfill tipping fees vary: $20/tonne - $135/tonne

44. Environmental Impact

45. Effects of Waste Fill up landfills Fire hazards Toxic hazards Pollution Climate change / greenhouse gas emissions

46. Climate Change EPA / Environment Canada studies Reducing waste (eliminating it at the source) has the most dramatic impact on reducing greenhouse gases Recycling is also effective way of reducing GHGs less energy is required to manufacture materials from recycled materials than from virgin material no gases occur from landfilling or incinerating those materials

47. Shows how GHGs are reduced through recycling. Recycling keeps material in bottom loop, eliminating emissions associated with raw material extraction and landfill. Raw material extraction is by far the largest contributor to GHG in a product’s lifecycle.Shows how GHGs are reduced through recycling. Recycling keeps material in bottom loop, eliminating emissions associated with raw material extraction and landfill. Raw material extraction is by far the largest contributor to GHG in a product’s lifecycle.

48. Net GHG Emissions from MSW Management Options (tonnes eCO2/tonne)

49. Energy Use: Recycled & Virgin Content Products (MJ/kg)

50. CO2 Emissions: Recycled &Virgin Content Products (kg eCO2/kg)

51. Energy Savings: Recycling versus WTE Incineration (MJ/kg)

52. CO2 Emissions: Recycling versus Disposal (kg eCO2/kg)

53. CO2 Emissions: Composting versus Disposal (kg eCO2/kg)

56. Value of Pollution Reductions from Recycling & Composting

57. Social Benefits Jobs Training Opportunities Personal and Community Pride Behavior Change – Waste Reduction Social benefits associated with waste reduction. Behaviour change refers to the increased likelihood that people will engage in a second environmental behaviour if they have already engaged in recycling or similar behaviour.Social benefits associated with waste reduction. Behaviour change refers to the increased likelihood that people will engage in a second environmental behaviour if they have already engaged in recycling or similar behaviour.

58. Priorities for the Future

59. Focus on Recovery of Priority Materials Cardboard Organics Construction / Demolition Waste Focus on materials representing large portions of the waste stream. Cardboard primarily in commercial sector. Organics everywhere.Focus on materials representing large portions of the waste stream. Cardboard primarily in commercial sector. Organics everywhere.

60. Markets Prior to collection, assess markets for material: Stable, long-term Accessible Processing requirements Materials need markets, or no point collecting them.Materials need markets, or no point collecting them.

61. Develop Long-term Waste Management Strategy Integrated waste management system Full-cost accounting Develop goals and objectives Public review User-pay options Discusses policy development as related to waste reduction.Discusses policy development as related to waste reduction.

62. Promotion / Education Very important component of success Apply social marketing principles Identify barriers and benefits Utilize Social Marketing tools Commitment Prompts Norms Develop effective communications materials Use incentives where appropriate Pilot and evaluate your strategy

63. Closing the Loop Buy Recycled Support recycling industry Encourage use of recycled materials Green Procurement Sources RCA’s Enviro Business Guidewww.recycle.ab.ca/ebguide Environmental Choice Programwww.environmentalchoice.com Ask for Green choices Remind that recycling has not occurred until material has reentered market place.Remind that recycling has not occurred until material has reentered market place.

64. Local Recycling Programs THIS SECTION OPTIONAL. It is set up as a template for customizing this presentation. You will need to fill in the highlighted areas with information pertaining to the specific recycling programs in the area the presentation is being made. Please contact the local municipal office or website for program details. For technical help in modifying this section of the presentation, please contact info@recycle.ab.ca or 403.843.6563.THIS SECTION OPTIONAL. It is set up as a template for customizing this presentation. You will need to fill in the highlighted areas with information pertaining to the specific recycling programs in the area the presentation is being made. Please contact the local municipal office or website for program details. For technical help in modifying this section of the presentation, please contact info@recycle.ab.ca or 403.843.6563.

65. Municipality Population Highlights Click on the title and highlight “Municipality” – Type the name of the municipality in the title box Include some stats about the community such as: Population serviced (may include surrounding areas) – can get this information from the town office Highlights could include challenges and unique features that may affect delivery of programs – situated in the mountain park (federal jurisdiction), remote northern community (transportation), rural community off the main transportation corridor (transportation) – if there are no challenges, mention something specific or unique to the area (may need to go to the municipal website for some information – try to tie it into waste and recycling – i.e. Summer village, tourist spot, lots of festivals/events can have seasonal increases in waste volumes: population growth = more construction = increase in waste volumes, etc.), however remember you are speaking to a local audience. Can insert photo if available Click on the title and highlight “Municipality” – Type the name of the municipality in the title box Include some stats about the community such as: Population serviced (may include surrounding areas) – can get this information from the town office Highlights could include challenges and unique features that may affect delivery of programs – situated in the mountain park (federal jurisdiction), remote northern community (transportation), rural community off the main transportation corridor (transportation) – if there are no challenges, mention something specific or unique to the area (may need to go to the municipal website for some information – try to tie it into waste and recycling – i.e. Summer village, tourist spot, lots of festivals/events can have seasonal increases in waste volumes: population growth = more construction = increase in waste volumes, etc.), however remember you are speaking to a local audience. Can insert photo if available

66. Recycling Program Materials collected Method of collection: Drop-off depot Hours of operation Curb-side collection Schedules Information that can be included on this slide (slides can be modified to show the specific details – if making modifications, additional slides may be required): What materials are collected in this municipality (check with municipal office/website) – can verbally discuss or modify slide to show the specific materials. Method of collection (check with municipal office/website) – can modify slide to remove the non-applicable collection method for the municipality Are materials taken to a depot ( if so, indicate locations – either verbally or modify the slide and include the hours of operation, if possible) Or does the community receive pick up/curb-side collection (if so, what is the pick-up schedule) Can include photos of the local program if availableInformation that can be included on this slide (slides can be modified to show the specific details – if making modifications, additional slides may be required): What materials are collected in this municipality (check with municipal office/website) – can verbally discuss or modify slide to show the specific materials. Method of collection (check with municipal office/website) – can modify slide to remove the non-applicable collection method for the municipality Are materials taken to a depot ( if so, indicate locations – either verbally or modify the slide and include the hours of operation, if possible) Or does the community receive pick up/curb-side collection (if so, what is the pick-up schedule) Can include photos of the local program if available

67. Vision Zero Waste Extended Producer Responsibility Social Conscience Mission To Promote and Facilitate Waste Reduction, Recycling, and Resource Conservation in Alberta Christina SeidelExecutive Director 403.843.6563 info@recycle.ab.ca www.recycle.ab.ca