Research and Development

Over the last century, an enormous amount of metal and mineral material has been used to build the infrastructure and manufacture the products that have enabled the Canadian economy to function and to grow. The efficient use of these materials and the commensurate reduction of waste (be that resources, energy, time or money), has given rise to the recycling paradigm (an old concept, newly applied). Many products and infrastructure that reach their end-of-life are managed accordingly, but many others are not.

Statistics Canada reports that the total amount of solid waste disposed of increased by 8% between 2004 and 2006. A robust Canadian economy is evidently linked to a higher level of production and consumption; fortunately, the quantity of material recycled has also increased (about a 9% gain). While the indicators of performance appear to be mixed, the fact remains that a significant quantity of recyclable resources – roughly valued at $1.5 billion – continue to be discarded in Canada each year. To become more resource efficient, therefore, smarter programs and policies are required across the country and in this regard the federal government can contribute.

The Enhanced Recycling program was, altogether, a six year endeavor to stimulate further thought and discussion with public, private and non-profit sector partners. Many projects were undertaken in order to bridge information gaps, to explore new areas with resource recovery potential and to introduce new ideas or implement new programs. Of particular importance was the reinforcement of a national network of like-minded individuals and organizations that share a common goal of maximizing resource efficiency and minimizing waste. 

The momentum generated by the Enhanced Recycling program must continue. The opportunity cost of maintaining the status quo is reflected in the ever-increasing quantity of materials disposed of. Further research will help expand our collective recycling knowledge-base and the development of new policies and programs will eventually lead to an economy that produces less waste.