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Can EPR keep recycling afloat during (and after) the Pandemic?
If there was ever a time when extended producer responsibility (EPR) had the power to keep printed paper and packaging (PPP) recycling moving forward, now would be that time.
With local and global economies expected to shrink even further, many municipalities across Canada and USA have been debating what, if anything, could be done to stabilize and even grow recycling programs. In particular, many have sought to understand if EPR can boost recycling programs during (and after) a pandemic.
The answer is a mix of yes and no.
Based on our experience as well as observations across the industry in North America, recycling programs in EPR jurisdictions have mostly continued to function as normal during COVID-19. Recyclables are still regularly collected at the curb and there have been no major changes as to what can be collected and processed.
The unintended consequence of this regulatory regime is that the recycling sector has a continued supply of materials in a time of low demand for recycled commodities and long-term price declines for recycled commodities. Many grades of recycled resins have been at prices near or even lower than the Great Recession of 2008. As those in the waste management industry know only too well, the last four years have seen turbulent times in overseas markets for plastic, metals and paper recovered in residential and commercial recycling programs.
EPR’s unfilled opportunity is to protect our planet for future generations, grow the circular economy and expedite the much-needed economic recovery. There are many policy and regulatory options but what I believe are the most effective are:
- Ensuring a strong supply of recyclables from residential and commercial sources supported by effective promotion and education;
- Creating a steady and high demand for all high-quality recycled commodities produced; and
- Decoupling the price of recycled commodities from virgin materials.
Brand owners and producers can play a critical role in helping to stabilize and broaden markets for secondary resources. Through their procurement policies, they can create demand for recycled content materials, even when economics favour using virgin materials. Through government-regulated EPR programs, brand owners and producers set up sustainable financing and operations for recycling, eliminating or reducing reliance on governments and rate payers to pay for recycling-related costs.
These are the systemic changes that will drive environmental, human and economic outcomes to higher levels of success, COVID or no COVID.
As always, Paulina, Vivian and our entire Emterra family join me in wishing you well and hoping you stay safe during COVID-19. We hope you enjoy this issue of ‘TerraNotes.
Best wishes,
Our sustainability first approach
is equivalent to removing
94,535 cars
from the road annually.
Emterra Group launches Augmented Reality (AR) technology on select products
Have you ever wondered if a front end bin, roll-off bin or tote would fit on your driveway, garage or anywhere? Emterra's newly interactive store now offers Augmented Reality (AR) on select products, giving users a real-world experience from the palm of their hands.
Canadian Liquids Processors is helping producers recycle less and reuse more
Thinking outside of the box, CLP is encouraging producers to reuse rather than recycle their consumer food-grade products, reducing their carbon footprint and bringing them financial benefits.
ETR donation to Canadian Tire's Jumpstart Foundation
Emterra Tire Recycling has a strong working relationship with Canadian Tire. Because of this relationship, we are able to be part of Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. We are proud to announce that we are donating more than $8,000 to the program.
This monetary donation will continue to help Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities serve even more kids facing financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation.
As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, this kind of support will be needed more than ever, as millions of families across the country deal with the financial and personal ramifications of extended closures.
"Jumpstart is incredibly proud of the work we have done in creating a more inclusive Canada," says Scott Fraser, President, Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. "Working with great partners like Emterra Tire Recycling helps us provide more opportunities for kids of all abilities to participate in sport, recreation and play."
"Recycled crumb rubber is an ideal product to be used for purposes like accessible playgrounds," explains John Cassell, General Manager of ETR. "First of all, kids fall and this is a great shock absorber. Recycled crumb rubber will virtually last forever, it is weather-proof and is easy to maneuver on foot or in an accessibility device."
By 2022, the goal of Jumpstart's Inclusive Playground Project is to build an accessible playground in every Canadian province and territory.
Ryse Solutions Inc. is a battery pro
With the Ontario government releasing a new regulation under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, 2016, battery producers are now individually and legally responsible for the collection and management of used single and rechargeable batteries. Ryse Solutions Inc. is ready to assist battery producers with all their regulatory compliance needs and to offer them advice in preparing for the new requirements.
Emterra Hand Sanitizer a win on all fronts
Originally intended to protect employees and give them a safe work environment, Emterra has expanded production of its hand sanitizer to help those in need, in and around the communities that we serve. The response has been overwhelmingly positive!
Emterra superheroes make waves in the community
With the battle continuing to rage against the COVID-19 pandemic, a few dedicated souls in western Canada decided to suit up and bring joy to kids and families alike. Their super heroic efforts didn't go unnoticed, with guest television appearances and mentions on local radio airwaves.
Emterra Clean Community Cup
Partnering with the Peterborough Petes, Emterra Environmental launched the Emterra Clean Community Cup™ (ECCC) on the inaugural Provincial Day of Action on Litter in Ontario. In a bid to hoist the Cup, family units will compete within their bubbles in a challenge to make their communities cleaner and greener.
Two Ontario MRFs undergo extensive upgrades
With Emterra Environmental entering the Peterborough and Renfrew markets, having sate-of-the-art MRF facilities was important. By upgrading their amenities and retrofitting them with modern equipment, our teams can process materials much more efficiently and effectively!
Welcome to the Emterra family
We would like to welcome Horton in Renfrew County, Ontario as well as Mississippi Mills, Montague and Carleton Place in Lanark County, Ontario into the Emterra Family. These new contracts include recycling services and will be supported by a newly upgraded material recovery facilities (MRF).
We're also happy to extend our partnership with the Village of Denzil in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, as they renew their contract with Emterra for recycling collection and processing.
In Michigan, Emterra Environmental USA is excited to bring the City of Burton into the fold. This contract includes the collection of waste, recycling as well as yard waste.
– F I N D & F O L L O W –
E M T E R R A O N L I N E
