Call2Recycle and Electronic Distributors International Inc. (EDI), an electronics recycler, have unveiled new battery sorting technology. The new battery sorting equipment at EDI’s Orillia, Ontario, facility is one of four of its type in the world, and EDI is the only service provider in North America using this technology. The equipment will double the plant’s capacity to sort used batteries, supporting the increasing volumes of batteries recycled by Call2Recycle in Ontario (+58% in 2023), where Call2Recycle serves as the largest battery Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). Through thi ..read more

The federal government has announced over $3.3 million in funding to support Canadian organizations that are developing solutions to address plastic pollution.  Nine small- and medium-sized companies will each receive up to $150,000 to develop environmentally acceptable and cost-effective solutions to help better reuse plastics or improve the end-of-life management of plastic film that commonly wraps consumer items. The funding for these projects is being provided through the two latest Canadian Plastics Innovation Challenges, which has committed over $25 million to Canadian small- and me ..read more

After a couple years of consultations, the federal government announced on Earth Day 2024 that the national plastics registry is being phased in. The tool requires plastic producers and other companies across the plastics chain to help monitor and track plastic from the time it is produced up to its end of life. By better tracking plastic through its full life cycle, both governments and industry will be better equipped to address plastic waste and pollution through increased transparency and sound, robust, evidence-based decision-making. The registry requires plastic resin manufacturers ..read more

Northstar Clean Technologies Inc. has received the first delivery of waste shingles from a new recycling partner, Ecco Recycling & Energy Corporation (Ecco Recycling). Under the terms of the agreement, Ecco Recycling will supply asphalt shingles from its current construction & demolition (C&D) landfill in Calgary to Northstar’s new Empower Calgary Facility. The shingles will be reprocessed at Northstar’s Empower Calgary Facility for an initial term of three years. The two companies are also are expected to carry out a landfill supply study to investigate the potential for Ecco Recy ..read more

After more than 35 years as the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, ISRI has changed its name to the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA). The new name and logo were unveiled during the closing general session of ISRI2024 Convention and Exhibition in Las Vegas. “From everyday items to our essential infrastructure, recycled materials power the manufacturing supply chain that makes our economy stronger, our planet more sustainable, and our lives better” said Robin Wiener, president of the Recycled Materials Association. “Our new name, the Recycled Materials Association, clearly and accurat ..read more

ISRI is presenting its 2024 Design for Recycling Award to the REMADE Institute. REMADE is being honoured for its research to support implementation of Design for Recycling (DFR) principles in manufacturing. The DFR Award is ISRI’s highest recognition, given annually to the most-outstanding contribution to DFR principles, whether through manufactured products, manufacturing innovations, or research or program activities. “We are delighted to honour the REMADE Institute with ISRI’s Design for Recycling award that recognizes the organization’s substantial contributions to encouraging DFR product ..read more

The Composting Consortium, an industry collaboration led by the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, has released a report that examines how certified, food-contact compostable packaging breaks down in real-world composting facilities. The report, Breaking It Down: The Realities of Compostable Packaging Disintegration in Composting Systems, shares findings from an 18-month study – the largest known field test of certified, food-contact compostable packaging conducted in North America – revealing the realities of compostable plastic and fibre disintegration in ..read more

Metro Compactor Service has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Small & Medium Employers. The annual award program is for enterprises with fewer than 500 employees that adopt initiatives faster than large employers, in many cases based on employee feedback and being closer to front-line operations. In addition, these SMEs are often more willing to try bold HR initiatives that are untested elsewhere. “This prestigious honour is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment of each and every one of our employees,” said Andrew Strudwicke, president of Metro Compactor Service ..read more

Sweden-based Envac has installed an AWCS (Automated Waste Collection System) in a residential complex in Gangnam, Seoul Korea. The AWCS system uses a network of underground pipes to transport waste from buildings to a central collection station, eliminating the need for traditional garbage collection trucks to move around the city and reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion. The system is entirely automated, meaning that it requires minimal human intervention. The system also frees up valuable space on the streets, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists. It has been installed ..read more

Tim Hortons restaurants in Ottawa and Gatineau will begin testing plastic-free, fibre hot beverage lids for up to six weeks as part of the fast food company’s efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics. The goal of the trial is to work toward developing an alternative to plastic lids that are easier to compost or recycle, while still providing a great drinking experience. “We’re excited to ask Ottawans to help us test this new, plastic-free and recyclable lid for Tim Hortons hot beverage cups. We’re known for serving Canada’s favourite coffee, so it’s important that we develop ..read more