Other Product-Specific Recycling
- The Recycling of Scrap Tires in Canada
- Background Study on Increasing Recycling of Obsolete Mercury Containing Lamps from Residential and Commercial Sources in Canada
- Single-Use Propane Cylinder Recycling Feasibility Study
- Baseline Data and Tracking System for the Generation and Diversion of Obsolete White Goods from Residential Sources in Canada
The Recycling of Scrap Tires in Canada
Project Team
Natural Resources Canada (CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory)
Objective
The objective of this project is to identify the material flow of passenger, truck and off- the-road tires in all provinces and territories. The annual flow will be evaluated with regard to further processing and the current situation in Canada will be summarized. A review will be done of major recycling technologies used to make products from scrap tires. A major information gap exists regarding the data/statistics on both available recycling technologies in waste tire processing and the impacts of various end-of-life scenarios on the environment and human health.
Description
This study involves a literature review including: data available from the provinces, review of environmental reports, proceedings of (inter-) national conferences, and interviews with industrial personnel and experts from the provinces. The study focuses on the environmental and economical feasibility of recycling scrap tires. The information generated from this work will help advance these technologies further in order to effectively recycle scrap tires with reduced environmental impact. A comparison of provincial tire recycling programs will also be conducted.
Resources
Background Study on Increasing Recycling of Obsolete Mercury Containing Lamps from Residential and Commercial Sources in Canada
Project Team
Pollution Probe, Hilkene International Policy, Environment Canada, Natural Resources Canada (Office of Energy Efficiency), and in-kind support from Florescent Lamp Recyclers Inc.
Objective
The purpose of this Phase 1 study is to develop a background report on the state of recycling infrastructure for mercury-containing lamps as well as the opportunities and challenges involved in enhancing recycling of these products in Canada. A key consideration will be to ensure that the energy efficiency benefits of these products are not lost as a result of enhanced recycling.
Description
The use of fluorescent and high intensity discharge (HID) lamps is increasing in Canada, driven largely by the energy efficiency benefits associated with these lamps over incandescent bulbs. Between 50 and 60 million mercury-containing bulbs and fluorescent tubes are sold in Canada annually, utilizing valuable resources, including brass, copper, glass, mercury, phosphor powder and aluminum. Each of these components can be recovered through the recycling process for re-use, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with the use of virgin materials.
By examining the steps other countries are taking to recover and recycle mercury-containing lamps, preliminary findings suggest that Canada, which has a current recovery rate of 6%, is lagging by comparison. Despite a high recycling potential, the infrastructure for the recycling of fluorescent lamp tubes, compact florescent bulbs and HID lamps in Canada requires further development.
Resources
Single-Use Propane Cylinder Recycling Feasibility Study
Project Team
Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour
Objective
This project has four objectives: to determine the extent of the issue (by estimating the number of single-use propane cylinders being used in Canada and the GHG savings associated with their recovery); to identify current programs or landfill operators/scrap dealers who will take propane tanks and describe the processing methods; to examine program options for a propane cylinder recycling system, considering safety and collection issues, recycling options, and markets; and to begin the groundwork for developing a national extended producer responsibility program for single-use propane tanks.
Description
The project will examine the feasibility of comprehensive collection and recycling programs for single-use propane cylinders in Canada. Industry stakeholders will be identified in order to determine the feasibility of developing an extended producer responsibility (EPR) approach to the management of used propane tanks. A GHG inventory will be developed to show the potential GHG reductions that could be realized with the capture and recycling of these materials.
Resources
Baseline Data and Tracking System for the Generation and Diversion of Obsolete White Goods from Residential Sources in Canada
Project Team
Electro-Federation Canada - Canadian Appliance Manufacturers Association, Hanson Research + Communications
Objectives
To map current appliance recovery and recycling practices and to develop a reliable estimate of the environmental benefits of current and future practices.
Description
This project will compile an inventory of white goods recovery and recycling initiatives already in place in Canada. Through interaction with representatives from various sectors, the proponents will estimate the flow of obsolete white goods and the corresponding flow of the constituent materials of these products. An increased understanding of the dynamics of this product stream will help to determine gaps in existing approaches to effective management and beneficial recovery and recycling opportunities. The environmental benefits (including greenhouse gas emission reductions) associated with current recovery statistics will be determined and the benefits of future scenarios will be estimated.