Recycling and Waste Reduction - Manitoba · 4 Recycling and Waste Reduction: a discussion docuMent Manitoba has made great strides to prevent and recycle waste. Municipalities, industries,

Part of:

Recycling and Waste Reduction:A Discussion PAPer

Recycling and Waste Reduction: a discussion document2

This discussion paper supports the implementation of TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan, an eight year strategy for mobilizing Manitobans to work together to protect the environment while ensuring a prosperous and environmentally-conscious economy. In addition to the proposed actions outlined in this document, the province has other initiatives underway to ensure we protect the environment and sustainably manage our natural resources now, for tomorrow.

Manitoba’s goal is to be one of the most sustainable places to live.

Recycling and Waste Reduction: a discussion document 3

TABLe oF conTenTs

intRoduction ................................................................................ 4

HoW does ManitoBa MeasuRe uP? ........................................... 5

taRgets and tiMelines ................................................................. 6

leading By eXaMPle ..................................................................... 7

oRganic Waste .............................................................................. 9

DIverT 100,000 ToNNes of orGaNIc WasTe full laNDfIll BaN oN orGaNIc WasTe WorkING WITh The IcI secTor

MaNIToBa coMPosTs

constRuction, Renovation and deMolition Waste ......... 12

keePING valuaBle ProDucTs ouT of The laNDfIllWorkING WITh INDusTry ParTNersIMProveD sTaNDarDslaNDfIll BaN oN cr&D WasTe

MaDe IN MaNIToBa soluTIoNs

eXtended PRoduceR ResPonsiBility ....................................... 13

aMBITIous recyclING TarGeTsPhase II BeveraGe coNTaINer TarGeTsTakING acTIoN oN NeW MaTerIalsMaTerIal DIsPosal BaNseNcouraGING local ProcessINGBuy local

IMProve reGIoNal recyclING servIces

institutional, coMMeRcial and industRial Waste ............ 15

WasTe characTerIzaTIoNsTeWarDING More MaTerIalsreDucING WasTe froM QuIck-servIce resTauraNTs

recyclING IN QuIck-servIce resTauraNTs aND coNveNIeNce sToreseNcouraGING INNovaTIve PackaGING DesIGN

HaRd-to-Recycle PRoducts ...................................................... 16

reTaIl carry ouT PlasTIc BaGsaDDressING oTher harD To recycle ProDucTsresPoNDING To flooDs aND oTher NaTural DIsasTers, aND eMerGeNcIes

noRtHeRn and ReMote aReas .................................................. 18

WasTe DIversIoN everyWhere

eNhaNcING recyclING servIces

landFill tRansFoRMation ........................................................ 19

laNDfIll DIsPosal BaNsfINDING alTerNaTIves To laNDfIllsreGIoNal zero WasTe PlaNNINGfurTher resTrIcTIoNs oN BurNING of WasTelaNDfIll MaPPINGreDucING MaNIToBa’s laNDfIllscrackDoWN oN DuMPING

fINaNcIal INceNTIves To recycle

BeneFits oF Waste Reduction.................................................. 22

fIGhTING clIMaTe chaNGe

BoosTING MaNIToBa’s GreeN ecoNoMy

let’s do BetteR! ........................................................................... 26

MeasurING ProGress To eNsure success

MaNIToBa’s ulTIMaTe Goal – zero WasTe

engageMent ............................................................................... 28


Manitoba has made great strides to prevent and recycle waste. Municipalities, industries, businesses, institutions and the public have all embraced waste prevention and recycling, helping to reduce the amount of solid waste going to landfill. since the early 1990s, Manitoba has decreased the amount of waste going to landfills by about 15%, while the population has grown by 14%. In addition, Manitoba’s waste diversion practices are improving as a result of the implementation of extended Producer responsibility programs, the Waste reduction and Pollution Prevention (WraPP) fund, the Waste reduction and recycling support landfill levy (Wrars) and the recent launch of the Manitoba composts Program. Manitoba also has one the most successful Blue Box programs in canada as recognized in 2013 by the canadian stewardship services alliance - with Manitoba recycling 68.7 kilograms per person.

year over year, Manitoba’s Producer responsibility organizations (Pros) are reporting increases in the amount of designated materials being diverted from landfill sites. Pros are non-profit, industry associations designated by industry stewards to support and extend the environmental responsibility to manage designated waste materials and operate recycling programs. over 108 million kilograms of material was diverted in 2012 or approximately 90 kilograms of material per Manitoban. successes for 2013 include:

•83,703 tonnes of residential blue box materials recycled from 185 municipalities

•13.6 million litres of used oil and 323,700 litres of antifreeze fluid recovered

inTroDucTion

•3,026 tonnes of e-waste collected for recycling from 57 collection sites

•61% of empty beverage containers recovered and close to 40,000 recycling bins placed across the province in partnership with municipalities; industrial, commercial and institutional facilities; government buildings; and other public spaces

•283,804 litres of paint and household hazardous waste collected from 21 year-round municipal and private collection sites and 60 return to retail sites

•14,713 tonnes of used/scrap tires collected from 1,460 sites


FiguRe 1 - Waste disPosal PeR caPita coMPaRisons

Despite our efforts, there is still much work to be done to make Manitoba a national leader in recycling and waste management practices. according to the most recent statistics canada report, Manitoba continues to dispose of more waste than most provinces (see fig. 1). In addition, the amount of waste Manitobans send to

How Does MAniToBA MeAsure uP?

landfills continues to be above the national average of 730 kilograms/capita, and internationally, canada consistently ranks behind other industrialized countries on waste diversion.

2010 Waste Disposal Per Capita ComparisonsKgs per capita

Canada 729Newfoundland and Labrador 770Nova Scotia 389New Brunswick 631Quebec 733Ontario 699Manitoba 770Saskatchewan 897Alberta 1,052British Columbia 587

2010 Waste Disposal Per Capita Comparisons

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador

Nova Scotia

New Brunswick

Quebec

Ontario

Manitoba

Saskatchewan

Alberta

British Columbia

Kgs per Capita

Waste Management Industry Survey: Business and Government Sectors, 2010 (Statistics Canada, August 2013)


Let’s aim to cut Manitoba’s per capita waste in half from 840 kg in 2013 to 420 kg by 2020. This is an ambitious, but achievable goal that will require the combined efforts of government, industry and individuals.

ouR ultiMate goal is to BecoMe a zeRo Waste society

This discussion paper proposes, for feedback, approaches and actions that will ensure continued environmental protection in the following priority areas while bolstering Manitoba’s green economy:

o Organic wasteo Construction, renovation and demolition wasteo Extended producer responsibilityo Institutional, commercial and industrial wasteo Hard to recycle productso Northern and remote areaso Landfill transformation

TArGeTs AnD TiMeLines

The actions proposed in this discussion document will produce the following key outcomes:

1. zeRo Waste – we aim to ultimately reach zero waste in Manitoba. zero waste is also a guiding design philosophy for eliminating waste at source and all points down the supply chain.

2. cutting Waste in HalF – we can reduce our waste to 420 kg/person by 2020.

3. gReen JoBs – about 450 green jobs in the waste sector can be created.

4. FigHting cliMate cHange – a significant amount of our greenhouse gas emissions come from landfills. The actions proposed in this discussion document will reduce overall emissions by an amount equal to taking 71,000 cars off the road.

your feedback on the actions proposed in this discussion document will play a critical role in ensuring that we achieve our key outcomes.

77

Recycling and Waste Reduction: a discussion document

LeADinG By exAMPLe: reDucinG GovernMenT’s ecoLoGicAL FooTPrinT

the Manitoba government is already leading by example by “greening” government through:

• Collectingsingleuseandrechargeablebatteriesandrecyclingbeveragecontainersingovernmentoffices.• GreenOfficeProgram–creatingstaffawarenessandtakingactiontoreduceourfinancialandenvironmentalfootprints.• GreenProcurement–usingrecycledcontentproducts.• ParksandHighwayRestStops–establishingrecyclingandhouseholdhazardouswastecollectionservicesincampgrounds.• GreeningtheLegislature–providingrecyclingandcompostingservices.• Banningplasticwaterbottlesingovernmentbuildings.

Future activities will include:

• Pilotingaprogramthatwillaimtoreducepaperandtoneruseby15%inparticipatingoffices.Thepilotwillbeexpandedgovernment-wideby2015.

• Pilotingarecyclingenhancementprograminselectofficesanddevelopingastrategyforenhancingrecyclingacrossgovernment,includingprovincialparks.

• AllwastebinsattheLegislatureandonthelegislaturegrounds,MemorialParkandthesurroundingareawillbereplacedwithdualstreamwasteandrecyclingbins.

• ExtendingtheBottledWaterBantoCrownCorporations.• Eliminatingtheuseofpolystyrenefoodandbeveragecontainersingovernmentbuildingsandmandatingtheuseof

certifiedcompostablepackagingby2020.• Furtherinvestigationandresearchofapolystyreneproductusebanandrecyclingoptionswillbepursued.• Futureprocurementeffortswillfocusoneliminationofnon-recyclableproductsandthepurchaseofproductsthatcontain

recycledcontentorarelesstoxictotheenvironment.

Startingin2015,NewYorkCitywillprohibitrestaurants,foodcartsandstoresfromsellingorprovidingsingle-usecups,clamshells and trays, made from a type of thermoplastic petrochemical called expanded polystyrene unless it can be recycledinanenvironmentallyeffective,economicallyfeasibleandsafeway.Peanut-shapedpackingmaterialwillalsobesubjecttothisban.


wAsTe reDucTion HierArcHy

reducing or eliminating waste altogether is the highest preference in the waste reduction hierarchy - Manitoba’s challenge is to work towards reversing the current waste profile and ultimately work towards a zero waste society.

Reducereducing waste is the most cost effective waste management option in the long-term.

Re-useThis involves items being used again for thesame or different purposes.

Recyclingvalue should be recovered through recycling,composting, refining, or other processes where appropriate.

disposallandfilling may be needed when other options are not feasible.

organic material is the highest proportion of waste material landfilled (30% - 40%).

Industrial, commercial, and institutional (IcI) waste is approximately 50-to 60% of total waste.

Residential

ICI

CRD

50%

30%20%

BC Waste Analysis (2006)

TYPICAL CONTENT OF RESIDENTIAL WASTE IN CANADA

organic materials

bulky goods

other materials

recyclable materials

40%

40%

10%

10%

FCM, Getting to 50% and Beyond (2009)


Forty per cent of our residential waste and 30% of industrial, commercial and institutional waste is estimated to be organic material that could be composted. The organic waste we generate is mostly leaf and yard waste, food waste, and wood waste. composting organic waste produces a useable product that can improve the physical structure of soil, restore nutrients and water to the soil, and add biological diversity. compost can reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation, thereby reducing energy consumption. keeping organic waste out of landfill reduces the production of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that has a global warming potential 21 times greater than carbon dioxide.

currently there are 53 composting sites across Manitoba with the majority managed by municipalities and only collecting leaf and yard waste. however, two municipalities also collect curbside residential food waste and six commercial facilities collect food waste from the industrial, commercial and institutional (IcI) sector. Manitoba’s overall diversion is estimated at 35,000 tonnes, representing 10% of the total organic material generated province-wide.

orGAnic wAsTe

FooD recovery HierArcHy

Food waste is organic residue generated by the processing, handling, storage, sale, preparation, cooking and serving of foods.

Food waste reduction or prevention is a strategy for preventing food waste before it is created. Reducing food waste through source reduction or donating to food banks, shelters or as animal feed are alternatives to composting and should be used where appropriate. Residential as well as industrial, commercial, and institutional food service providers can adopt this approach to improve management of this waste stream.

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION - Prevent food waste before it is created by avoiding over producing, purchasing and preparing, reduce preparation waste by using all edible components, find secondary uses for excess, and implement proper cooking and handling techniques to reduce spoilage of food.

FOOD BANK DONATION - Seek facilities that can accept edible food for human consumption when excess food has been purchased, prepared, or produced.

INDUSTRIAL FOOD PROCESSOR - Seek facilities that can accept unused components of edible food for human consumption to create a new food product.

ANIMAL FEED - Seek agricultural facilities or industrial animal feed producers facilities that can accept food or fibre that is acceptable for animals but not suitable for human consumption.

COMPOSTING - Divert food waste to your residential or community composter or a licensed composting facility that can process food waste to produce compost.

LANDFILL - Disposal of food waste in landfills should only be considered if all other options are unacceptable for food waste.

Based on the US EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy


oPtions FoR action:

1. diveRt 100,000 tonnes oF oRganic Waste - Diversion of organic materials is essential to reaching Manitoba’s diversion targets. Manitoba could divert 100,000 tonnes of organic waste annually from landfill by 2020 - this is equivalent to diverting over 15,000 garbage trucks from landfill each year. Diverting 100,000 tonnes of organic waste (60% food waste, 40% leaf and yard) will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from waste by 59,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (co2e).

2. Full landFill Ban on oRganic Waste - Institute a full organics landfill ban from the residential and industrial commercial, and institutional sectors by 2020. organic waste is the largest waste stream in Manitoba. Diverting organic waste from landfills would significantly reduce Manitoba’s per capita waste disposal by 2020 and enable Manitoba to achieve its waste reduction goal.

3. WoRking WitH tHe ici sectoR - Work with the industrial, commercial and institutional (IcI) sectors, including food processors, groceries, hotels, and restaurants to promote best composting practices; provide financial incentives and other assistance for composting operations, facility enhancement and equipment purchases; enable organic waste research, training, promotion and market development; and enhance food waste reduction and prevention initiatives. We will work with Green action centre and other community groups to explore food waste reduction initiatives.

4. ManitoBa coMPosts - Incentives offered under the recently launched Manitoba composts Program will help Manitobans achieve organic material diversion levels of 85 kg/person, exceeding the canadian national average of 68 kg/person.

orGAnic wAsTe


FiguRe 2 - total oRganics diveRted

-

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

Org

anic

Was

te D

iver

ted

(Ton

nes)

Year

Figure 2 - Total Organics Diverted

Year Canada

(1,000 Tonnes)

Manitoba

(Tonnes)

1996 57,677 37,193

1998 110,029 -

2000 98,079 4,398

2002 117,079 16,261

2005 166,915 20,995

2006 200,646 12,490

2008 243,922 -

2010 221,248 19,672 *Canada data is normalized

Canada

Manitoba

Waste Management Industry Survey: Business and Government Sectors, 2010 (Statistics Canada, August 2013)


consTrucTion, renovATion AnD DeMoLiTion wAsTe

Building MoMentuM construction, renovation and demolition (cr&D) waste is the second largest component of the waste stream in Manitoba, representing an estimated 20 – 30% of our total waste. Manitoba must pursue the diversion and reuse of cr&D waste from landfill and proposes diverting 100,000 tonnes of cr&D waste from landfill by 2020. regionalized approaches to managing these kinds of waste can be helpful.

oPtions FoR action:

1. keePing valuaBle PRoducts out oF tHe landFill- Provide financial and other incentives for research and initiatives that demonstrate that there is significant potential to keep wood and other cr&D waste out of landfills. The Waste reduction and Pollution Prevention (WraPP) fund and Wrars program could provide grant funding for projects to ensure success.

2. WoRking WitH industRy PaRtneRs - Work with industry partners to implement best management practices and expand recycling of cr&D materials into value added products. Diverting cr&D products, such as drywall/gypsum board, wood, steel, concrete, asphalt, and shingles from landfill offers increased economic benefits and avoids landfill-related costs. We could also establish mandatory recycling and source separation for large scale demolition and construction sites by 2020.

3. iMPRoved standaRds - expand the provincial Green Building Policy to ensure that cr&D waste is diverted from provincially-funded building projects.

4. landFill Ban on cR&d Waste - cr&D materials could be banned from landfill by 2020 – this would reduce Manitoba’s ecological footprint, while also helping to cut our waste in half.

5. Made in ManitoBa solutions - Invest in research and development to investigate, design and develop best management practices and local processing capabilities to increased diversion of cr&D materials from disposal.

examples of green Businesses that use waste to create local economic development and green jobs in Manitoba

Manitoba Producer Responsibility Organizations (organizationsthatareresponsibleformanagingdesignatedwastematerialssuchastires,oil,packagingandpaper,etc.)investedover$37milliondollarsinManitobalastyeartoproperly dispose, manage and recycle designated waste products.ThosefundsareexpendedhereinManitoba,whichleads to local economic development and sustainable green jobs for staff coordinators, collectors, depot operators, processors/manufacturers,andthetransportindustry.

Antex WesternrecentlypilotedaninnovativesoilstabilizerforclaysubgrademadefromrecycledCR&Dwasteintheconstructionofamulti-usetrailalongBishopGrandinBoulevardinWinnipeg.Thesoilstabilizerisexpectedtoreduceheavingandcrackinginthetrail,reducingtheneedformaintenanceandrepair.Greenhousegasemissionsandlandfillcosts will also be reduced by replacing raw materials with CR&Dwastematerials.ThispilotprojectisjustoneexampleofthemanypotentialinnovativeusesforCR&Dmaterialssuchascrushedglass,carpetfibre,bio-fibre(flax,hemp)thatwouldotherwisegotolandfill.


extended producer responsibility (ePr) engages industry to pursue the most efficient and feasible waste reduction option for each material while achieving environmental standards. Manitoba’s ePr program is grounded on the “polluter pays” principle by shifting the waste management burden from governments (e.g. municipalities) and taxpayers to a product’s producers and consumers, while reducing the amount of waste going to disposal. a product’s end-of-life management should take into consideration economic and societal costs to encourage manufacturers to improve product reusability and recyclability with sustainability as the overall goal.

Manitoba has established 13 ePr programs to recycle used oil, oil filters, and oil containers, antifreeze, tires, beverage containers, packaging and printed paper, farm chemical containers, single use and rechargeable batteries, lead-acid batteries, mercury thermostats, electronic equipment, and cell phones. ePr programs are managed by a network of Producer responsibility organizations (Pros). In 2012 these successful industry-operated programs invested more than $37 million in province-wide recycling systems and diverted over 108 million kilograms of waste material from landfill. (To learn more about the ePr programming in Manitoba, visit www.greenmanitoba.ca/pros/).

oPtions FoR action:

1. aMBitious Recycling taRgets – In collaboration with the Pros and their industry partners, recycling targets could be established for various products to increase recycling by 2020.

2. PHase ii BeveRage containeR taRgets – Beverage container recovery is on track to achieve the government mandated 75% recovery target for all beverage containers sold in Manitoba by December 2016. This province-wide target is based on typical beverage container deposit-system recovery rates for similar containers. When the recovery rate has been achieved,

exTenDeD ProDucer resPonsiBiLiTy

Government will work with industry to set Phase II targets for future years based on the biggest needs and opportunities at that time. conduct a review regarding the management of liquor beverage containers.

3. taking action on neW MateRials – consult with industry stewards on the best approaches for managing additional materials through ePr programming in the future. Materials from the industrial, commercial and institutional sector, and other hard to recycle products are also candidates for ePr programs (see feature item on page 14 for details). future ePr programming could help identify opportunities for local economic growth and enhanced environmental protection. Manitoba could also work to enhance end-of-life vehicle management.

4. MateRial disPosal Bans – Phase-in disposal bans of products and materials currently managed under Manitoba’s ePr programs.

5. encouRaging local PRocessing – Develop a processing incentive fund to encourage local material processing. Work with Manitoba Jobs and the economy and Pros to maximize incentives for local processing of recyclable materials.

6. Buy local – Identify opportunities for Manitoba government agencies and crown corporations to purchase and use locally processed products manufactured from waste such as scrap tires and shingles.

7. iMPRove Regional Recycling seRvices – Increase recovery of blue box materials by a determined amount to achieve, for example an overall 75% recovery level. Multi-Material stewardship Manitoba (MMsM), municipalities, communities and local collectors and processors could be encouraged to improve regional recycling services and material handling efficiencies.

1414 Recycling and Waste Reduction: a discussion document

MATeriALs To Be ADDresseD By FuTure ePr APProAcHes

the next steps in extended Producer Responsibility (ePR) may include the development of new ePR programming for materials not yet covered in Manitoba. Where possible, these materials will be handled within the existing ePR network to reduce duplication of efforts. these could include materials identified in Phase 2 of ccMe’s canada-Wide action Plan on extended Producer Responsibility, materials covered by programs in other jurisdictions, and materials that have been identified as gaps in current programming, such as:

a) Singleusepressurizedcontainers,foaminsulation,refillablepropaneandhalocarboncylindersb) Smokeandcarbonmonoxidedetectorsc) Mattressesandboxspringsd) Commerciallights(CFLsandtubes,LED,UPandHID,andFixtures,lightballasts)e) Carpetandsyntheticflooringf) Cordedandbatterypoweredproducts(lawnmowers,vacuums,pressurewashers,andblowers)g) Drywallandwallboardh) Appliancescontainingrefrigerant(refrigerators,portableroomairconditioners,

watercoolers,dehumidifiers)i) Asphaltshinglesj) Smallappliances,tools,andsportsequipment(foodprocessors,breadmakers,steamers,

airpurifiers,hairdryers,shavers,powertools,exerciseequipmentandsewingmachines)k) Veterinaryproductsandsharpsl) Medicalsharpsm)Agriculturalplastics(grainbags,balewrap,twineandnetting)n) Inkcartridgesandtonerso) Landscapeandhorticulturalplasticsp) Disposablefoodservicematerialssuchassingleusecoffee&beveragecups.

Manitoba will build on the success of existing recycling programs by expanding recycling of blue box materials and single use camping propane bottles to all campgrounds by 2018.

MotherEarthRecycling(MER)isaWinnipeg-basedsocialenterprise,whosemissionistoprovideresponsiblehighqualityrecyclingserviceswhileprovidingtrainingandemploymentopportunitiestotheaboriginalcommunity.MERhasidentifiedtherecyclingofusedmattressesandboxspringsasapotentialbusinessopportunitywithinitsexistingoperations.In2014,Manitoba’sWasteReductionandPollutionPrevention(WRAPP)FundsupportedafeasibilitystudyforMERtolookattheviabilityofprovidingthisservice.ManitobawillcontinuetoworkwithMERtodevelopamattressrecyclingoperation.


The top waste generating sources in the institutional, commercial and industrial (IcI) sector include restaurants, retail, manufacturing, health care, offices and institutions including schools. Non-hazardous waste materials that make up the highest volume of waste going to landfill in this sector include paper and packaging, such as cardboard boxes, food and yard waste, plastics, metals and glass. To increase the diversion of IcI waste, we must work with waste generators to identify opportunities and programs and policies needed to achieve the highest levels of diversion in this sector.

oPtions FoR action:

1. Waste cHaRacteRization – undertake a study to identify the composition and quantities of IcI waste going to Manitoba landfills. a study is currently underway to better define the waste stream composition in Manitoba government buildings.

2. steWaRding MoRe MateRials - expand the materials that are currently managed by Pros to include those produced by the IcI sector. establish mandatory recycling and source separation for large scale IcI facilities including malls, institutions, restaurants, hospitals, hotels and office buildings by 2020.

3. Reducing Waste FRoM quick-seRvice RestauRants - single use non-recyclable beverage containers and plastic foam take-out coffee cups are a highly visible and frustrating source of litter. While canadian companies work to develop new containers that are more easily recycled and/or composted, Manitoba recognizes that the responsibility to reduce waste also lies in the hands of consumers. The province could

insTiTuTionAL, coMMerciAL AnD inDusTriAL wAsTe

explore ways of partnering with retailers to encourage consumers to purchase beverages in reusable cups, such as an awareness campaign; continued work with the canadian council of Ministers of the environment (ccMe) to reduce packaging waste; and collaboration with industry on improving recycling and composting of these products.

4. Recycling in quick seRvice RestauRants and convenience stoRes - Manitobans should have the same access to recycling in fast food restaurants and convenience stores as they do at home. Manitoba could for example, mandate that fast food restaurants and convenience stores have recycling facilities in all locations by 2020.

5. encouRaging innovative Packaging design - canadian industry is constantly trying to improve the sustainability of consumer product packaging while protecting the packaged contents from damage. Manitoba has worked with other canadian jurisdictions through the canadian council of Ministers of the environment (ccMe) and with the Packaging association of canada’s “Pac Next” program, to continue to optimize the packaging that canadians see on store shelves. The province could work with these partners to encourage innovation in packaging that improves recyclability, reduces waste, and provides consumers with more sustainable choices.


Manitobans are faced with a dilemma of what to do with a variety of products and materials that are difficult to recycle. Manitobans want alternatives to disposing of these items in landfills. We must work with the public and industry partners to find solutions.

oPtions FoR action:

1. Retail caRRy out Plastic Bags – In 2010, Manitoba set a target to reduce the use of retail carry out plastic bags by 50% within five years. Manitobans have made tremendous progress to date but more still needs to be done. We will work with industry partners to achieve a higher target for reduction by 2020. While carry out plastic bags are considered a hard-to-recycle product because they need to be separated from other recyclables, there are many convenient and effective options for consumers to properly recycle carry out plastic bags. some have called for plastic bags to be phased out. But what might be the unintended consequences from phasing out the use of carry out plastic bags? Many Manitobans reuse retail carry out plastic bags to collect waste at home. Would phasing out carry out plastic bags result in heavier household plastic garbage bags ending up in Manitoba landfill instead, for example? Would the result be that even more plastic ends up going to landfill? What if less harmful alternatives are developed? other unintended consequences must also be considered.

HArD-To-recycLe ProDucTs

2. addRessing otHeR HaRd-to-Recycle PRoducts – consideration should be given to providing financial incentives for research, pilot projects and demonstrations led by municipalities, business, recycling centres and non-profit agencies to address hard-to-recycle products and keep them out of landfills. Many consumer products are comprised of a variety of different materials, which present challenges for recycling. In the case of child car seats, for example, the plastic, metal and fabric components must be dismantled and separated before the individual products can be recycled. The public and other stakeholders have identified a variety of products that they would like to see recycled, including:

• childcarseats • plasticfurnitureandtoys • windowsandotherglass • pieplatesandfoil • polystyrenetraysandboxes,shippingandtransportpackaging, and plastic film • videocassettes • CDsandDVDs • disposablediapers.

3. ResPonding to Floods and otHeR natuRal disasteRs, and eMeRgencies – Work with Manitoba emergency Measures organization to develop a disaster waste management and recycling plan for solid and hazardous waste for materials damaged in floods and other natural disaster, and emergencies.

1717


sinGLe use cArry ouT PLAsTic BAGs – AcTiviTies To DATe

in 2010, Manitoba set a target to reduce the use of single-use carry out plastic bags by 50% within five years. as reported by Multi-Material stewardship Manitoba (MMsM), a 46.7% reduction has already been achieved through a variety of efforts, including education and awareness; advertising; promotional events; handing out re-useable bags; and school plastic bag challenges. in 2013, MMsM announced the results of “Bag-up Manitoba Plastic Bag Roundup challenge”, a take Pride Winnipeg! program. Manitoba students collected and recycled 1.3 million single-use carry out plastic bags. in addition, MMsM residential waste composition studies show consumers are re-using over 50% of the carry out plastic bags they bring home.

a few Manitoba municipalities have introduced by-laws to reduce the use of single-use carry out plastic bags: town of leaf Rapids (2007), town of snow lake (2010), city of thompson (2010), and town of lynn lake (2011). Retailers take the bags back, sell re-useable bags, charge a fee for each plastic bag, offer rebates when you bring your own bag, and promote compostable and/or biodegradable bags.

other jurisdictions have taken the approach of banning plastic bags in select circumstances. Most recently, the state of california enacted a statewide ban on plastic bags in stores of a certain size, beginning in 2015. stores that offer customers recycled paper bags or bags made of compostable material must charge at least 10 cents. all funds collected are to be retained by the store and may be used only for the following purposes: (a) costs associated with complying with the requirements; (b) actual costs of providing recycled paper bags or reusable grocery bags; and (c) costs associated with a store’s educational materials or educational campaign encouraging the use of reusable grocery bags. additional requirements are set out for certification of reusable bags and mandatory recycling.


all Manitobans deserve access to recycling and diversion programs. Northern per capita recovery rates for recyclable materials are lower than province-wide recovery rates because of the difficulties in getting recycled materials and recovered products such as electronics or end-of-life vehicles to markets in the south.

oPtions FoR action:

1. Waste diveRsion eveRyWHeRe - Work with partners to enhance northern waste diversion and recycling systems and develop solutions for getting valuable materials to market. The province could continue to share ideas with other jurisdictions through the canadian council of Ministers of the environment (ccMe), where northern and remote waste management issues are a topic of concern. Manitoba will also build upon the work being done in aboriginal and Northern affairs (aNa) communities and first Nation communities to enhance recycling and composting programs, set up waste transfer stations, and develop regional recycling and waste diversion services.

norTHern AnD reMoTe AreAs

2. enHancing Recycling seRvices – Make drop-off locations more accessible and enhance eco-depot systems in northern and remote communities. ensure Producer responsibility organization (Pro) program priorities include northern and remote communities and resources are invested in eco-depot development.


Manitoba could take a new strategic approach to our landfills that will increase resource recovery and decrease the number of landfills in the Province.once waste is disposed in a landfill, it can take years for some materials to decompose (see Trash Timeline). Waste reduction, prevention and recycling activities keep waste out of the landfill and have a positive impact on the local environment, economy and quality of life.

oPtions FoR action:

1. landFill disPosal Bans - Bans could be phased-in and targeted at recyclable, reusable and hazardous materials currently under product stewardship management, as well other materials that take up the most space in landfills, or generate the most greenhouse gas emissions. This includes corrugated cardboard, organic waste, wood waste and construction and demolition waste.

2. Finding alteRnatives to landFills - Manitoba could increasingly divert waste from landfill using a multi-pronged approach. This approach would include the existing Wrars levy, which has created an incentive for landfill owners to increase diversion of materials through recycling; landfill disposal bans; complementary programming; and infrastructure to support the alternative treatment of waste. When viable recycling alternatives are in place, landfill disposal bans could be placed on specific wastes.

LAnDFiLL TrAnsForMATion

Why landfill disposal bans? Alandfilldisposalbanwouldresultinhigherdiversionrates and increased economic activity for mandatory source-separatedrecyclingservices.Itwouldcomplement existing product stewardship programs andtheWRARSlandfilllevyprogram.Moreimportantly, a material disposal ban will encourage diversionofrecyclablematerials.AlandfillmaterialbancanalsostimulatethedevelopmentofManitobabased processing and recycling facilities for stewardship program materials, construction, renovation and demolition waste and other hard-to-recycleproducts.

Somemunicipalitieshavetakentheinitiativetointroduce by-laws to ban corrugated cardboard and othermaterialsfromlandfill.Somemunicipalitiesdiscourage disposal of corrugated cardboard through penaltiesandhighertippingfees.TheWRARSlevyhas also encouraged more municipalities and businesses to recycle old corrugated cardboard and commercialwastes.


3. Regional zeRo Waste Planning - Introduce a program to assist Manitoba municipalities, communities and first Nations to develop regional zero waste plans. several jurisdictions in canada have mandated regional waste planning and the development of zero waste plans. There are several regional waste systems operating in Manitoba. The provincial government could mandate waste reduction planning by municipalities and commercial enterprises. Good planning should include examining regional and cooperative approaches. a regionalized waste management service approach would allow for resources to be pooled and costs to be shared among participating municipalities and other partners.

4. FuRtHeR RestRictions on BuRning oF Waste - Implement restrictions on burning of waste under the Waste Disposal Ground regulation. Burning materials pollutes and is a barrier to increased waste diversion and recycling of paper and wood waste materials. New guidelines could be developed to restrict burning of compostable and recyclable paper packaging through a new landfill permit process.

5. landFill MaPPing - undertake a landfill mapping and data base project of all municipal, commercial and private landfills, Waste Transfer stations, composting and wood processing sites, recycling facilities, and other waste diversion sites for public access.

Benefits of Reduced Waste Going to LandfillTheFederationofCanadianMunicipalitieshasidentifiedthe following benefits of reduced waste going to landfill:

Economic Benefits»Fewerlandfillsitesareneeded,savingthecostof

creating new landfills or transporting waste to more distantlandfills.

»Diversioncreatesjobs:wastediversion,throughrecycling or composting, creates more jobs per tonne thanlandfilling.

»Revenuecanbegeneratedfromsellingcompostto thecommunity.

Environmental Benefits»Recyclinguseslessenergythandisposalinalandfilland

manufacturing with recycled materials is more energy-efficientthanwithvirginmaterials.

»Thegreenhousegasesandtoxinsgeneratedbylandfillsandincinerationarereduced.

»Morelandisavailableforagriculturalandotheruses.

»Reuseandrecyclingconserveresources.

Social Benefits»Reducedlandfillusageimprovesqualityoflifein

adjacent communities and reduces the need for new landfillsites.

» Less reliance on landfills and incinerators reduces pollutantsandimproveshealth.

»Wastediversionencouragesenvironmentally sustainablebehaviour.


tRasH tiMeline: it takes tiMe FoR gaRBage to decoMPose in tHe enviRonMent

6. Reducing ManitoBa’s landFills - There are 184 landfills receiving municipal solid waste throughout Manitoba. fifteen are class 1 landfills serving over 85% of Manitoba’s population. our goal is to reduce the number of landfills in the province, starting by closing landfills in Manitoba’s provincial parks while enhancing waste transfer and recycling opportunities. strategic investments could be made to convert landfills into “resource recovery transfer centres” or “eco-depots” that are more sustainable and efficient.

7. cRackdoWn on duMPing – review regulations and double maximum fines for illegal dumping to create disincentives

for improper waste management activities. This could include the development of a “TIP” program app for the public to report illegal dumping of waste.

8. Financial incentives to Recycle - Disincentives to reduce landfill waste have been a key tool used across canada to reduce waste and encourage recycling. an escalating, predictable levy on materials delivered for disposal at landfill sites could be phased in, starting in 2017 if needed, with 100% of the proceeds going toward recycling and waste processing initiatives under the Waste reduction and recycling support (Wrars) fund. low landfill tipping fees are a disincentive to recycling and must be considered.

2-4 Wks

PaperTowel

Newspaper

Orange orBanana

Peel

AppleCore

CigaretteButt

PlasticBag

AluminumCan

PlasticBeverage

Bottle

Glass Bottles &

Polystyrene

2-5 Wks 6 Wks 2 Mths 1-5 Yrs 10-20 Yrs 80-200 Yrs 450 Yrs 1 million Yrs

InformationSource:U.S.NationalParkService;MoteMarineLab,Sarasota,FL. http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wmb/coastal/documents/marine_debris.pdf


Recycling and waste diversion result not only in reduced waste going to landfill, but also in other benefits that are harder to see, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and green economic growth.

FigHting cliMate cHange

Greenhouse gases are generated when waste containing organic material is disposed in a landfill. as the waste begins to break down, it generates landfill gas and causes gases to be released into the atmosphere. landfill gas consists of approximately 40-60% methane (ch4), carbon dioxide (co2), and a mixture of other gases. Both methane and carbon dioxide are greenhouse gases but methane has a global warming potential 21 times that of carbon dioxide. of canada’s total methane emissions, it is estimated that 26% comes from landfill gas (lfG) produced from municipal landfill sites.

BeneFiTs oF wAsTe reDucTion

significant GhG reductions can be achieved through reducing waste in general, but diverting corrugated cardboard, for example, will bring greater dividends. for every tonne of corrugated cardboard that is recycled instead of being burned or landfilled, 3.5 tonnes of co2e are eliminated.

research indicates that between 40 and 100 kilograms of methane is produced from each tonne of waste disposed of at a landfill. In 2013, Manitoba disposed of 960,000 tonnes of waste at 184 active disposal sites. This translates into an estimated 825,000 tonnes of co2e entering the atmosphere from waste disposed.

The challenge of addressing climate change will require that we strengthen the basic component activities that can contribute to GhG reduction, including solid waste reduction and improved waste management practices. shifting public attitudes and behaviour to establish more sustainable waste management practices is needed. addressing waste reduction and recycling as components of Manitoba’s overall climate change strategy will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

2323


FLArinG LAnDFiLL GAs

Burying waste in a landfill contributes to greenhouse gas (gHg) emissions. the waste breaks down, producing liquid and gaseous emissions that can contaminate air and water and contribute to a changing climate. collecting landfill gas and burning off the methane in a flare system produces carbon dioxide and water vapour. as a result, greenhouse gas emissions and odours are reduced from the landfills.

The Climate Change Emissions Reduction Act requires an operating landfill that has 750,000 tonnes or more of waste in place to implement a plan to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. in Manitoba, there are three such facilities:

• CityofBrandon’sEastviewLandfill, • CityofWinnipeg’sBradyRoadResourceManagementFacility, • BFICanadaInc.PrairieGreenLandfill(locatedintheRMofRosser)

Both Brandon and Winnipeg have active flare systems. this type of system operates by a series of wells that are drilled into the landfill over a closed cell. a vacuum compressor draws the landfill gas from the wells in underground piping to a blower where the gas is blown to the flare, where it is combusted at extremely high temperatures. the system monitors the amount, pressure and quality of gas captured.

the city of Brandon’s eastview landfill flare system became operational in January 2012 with 14,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (co2e) removed in 2013. the system is extracting about 230 cubic feet of gas per minute (cFPM).

the city of Winnipeg’s Brady Road Resource Management Facility flare system became operational in July 2013. the system was installed over approximately 4 million tonnes of waste and flares approximately 1,100 cubic feet of gas per minute (cFPM). since the flare has been turned on, over 73,600 tonnes of co2e have been extracted. the annual methane destruction is estimated to be 4,600 tonnes of methane or 97,400 tonnes of co2e.

the total amount of landfill gas captured at the three regulated sites is estimated to be 195,000 tonnes per year of co2e or almost 1% of Manitoba’s total carbon emissions.

in the future, it may be possible to use the recovered gas as an energy source.


Boosting ManitoBa’s gReen econoMy

Diverting significantly more waste has the potential to increase employment and economic activity in Manitoba. In 2014, the conference Board of canada confirmed that waste diversion in North america results in job creation and local economic growth. for every 1,000 tonnes of waste material diverted, two jobs can be created, and it is estimated that ten times more jobs are created by recycling waste than landfilling it. In addition to the environmental costs, there are also significant costs to government and businesses associated with waste disposal. Increased waste diversion presents a significant economic opportunity.

Manitoba will make strategic investments to develop recycling processes for waste materials and explore opportunities to export technology to others seeking methods to divert materials from their waste streams. The green jobs that result from enhanced waste diversion will help to make us a growing hub for sustainable development and green innovation going forward.

examples of green Businesses that use waste to create local economic development and green jobs in Manitoba

Clearline TechnologiesisaManitobacompanythatcreatesproductssuchasroofblocks,walkwaysandsolarracksupportsusingscraptires.ThecompanysellsitsproductsacrossNorthAmericaandemploysapproximately20peoplemarketing,sales,accounting, lean manufacturing and operations production, and industrialdesign.

Exner E-WasteisawastemanagementcompanyinManitobathatprocessesawiderangeofelectronicandnon-electronicequipmentsuch as computers and monitors, laptops, small appliances, photocopiers,ATMmachines,hand/gardentoolsandmore.Allwaste processed is turned into recovered resources such as copper andaluminumtobesuppliedbackintothemarketforremanufacturingofnewproducts.Upto25sustainablegreenjobs(andeconomicdevelopmentinManitoba)havebeencreatedbythisgreenbusiness.

Reliable Tire Recycling is the largest collector and processor of scraptiresinManitoba,usingthemtomakerecycledproductssuchaslandscapingproducts,patioblocks,artificialrubberizedsurfacesandindustrialproducts.Fortyfivesustainablegreenjobs(andeconomicdevelopmentinManitoba)havebeencreatedbythisgreenbusiness.

2525


wAsTe reDucTion AnD recycLinG suPPorT (wrArs) FunD – encourAGinG AcTion on wAsTe

Between 2009 and 2012, the WRaRs Program, funded by a $10 per tonne levy on waste disposed in landfills, paid $32 million in recycling rebates to eligible municipalities. a further $5.30 million was paid over this same time period for e-waste and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection and recycling (prior to the implementation of Manitoba’s current ePR programs) and other waste management projects administered by green Manitoba.

the WRaRs program partners with the Waste Reduction and Pollution Prevention (WRaPP) Fund to provide grant funding and incentive payments to enhance Manitoba’s waste reduction activities, including: • composting• constructionanddemolitionwaste•educationandsustainabilityprojects•materialdiversionpilotprojects• trainingandforums•databasedevelopmentandmaintenance.

Manitoba will continue to invest in programs and facilities to encourage new collection, processing, and recycling systems for all aspects of the waste stream while generating employment. opportunities to offer additional incentives for new waste diversion activities under the Waste Reduction and Pollution (WRaPP) Fund and the WRaRs levy will be evaluated.


1. MeasuRing PRogRess to ensuRe success

Improvements can be made to waste measurement and reporting. To strengthen environmental standards and resource conservation efforts, more focus will be placed on tracking outcomes, monitoring and reporting on measurable indicators of progress and identifying problem areas. filling information gaps and improving program reporting procedures and program performance measurement should enhance the effectiveness of future Manitoba waste and recycling reports. reports for 2011 and 2012 are available at www.greenmanitoba.ca/annual-reports/

LeT’s Do BeTTer!

How will we know if we are making progress?

Manitoba will endeavour to monitor and report on the economic impact of current and future diversion activities. We will continue to collaborate with our industry partners and others, wherever possible, to:

1. Increaselocalprocessingcapacityforwastematerials.

2. Developmarketstodemonstratetheuseoflocallyrecovered materials such as compost, tires, shingles,ande-wasteforlocalend-use.

3. Buildthecapacityofmunicipal,commercialandinstitutional recycling facilities to carry out these activities.

4. EstablishanewfundinginitiativeforprocessingrecyclablematerialsboostingManitoba’sgreeneconomy.GovernmentwillworkwithindustryandPROstodevelopincentivesforlocalbusinessesthatturn“trashtocash”.

5. Ensurethatexistinggovernmentregulationsarenotbarrierstoincreasedwastediversionefforts.


2. ManitoBa’s ultiMate goal – zeRo Waste

Manitoba’s ultimate goal is to become a zero waste society. Ideally, we would live in a society where nothing was wasted. Increased planning and diversion activities will reduce the amount of landfill space required. our first steps are to reach our 50% waste reduction goal by 2020, while we keep our long term goal in sight.

studies comparing the economic impacts of recycling versus landfill disposal confirm that:

• Landfilldisposalgeneratesasmallernumberofjobsthanwaste recycling and waste diversion;

• Recyclingandtheuseofsecondarymaterialscreatesignificantly higher net value-added jobs at higher income levels than waste disposal; and

• Recyclingbusinessescreatejobsclosertohomeandhaveasmaller environmental footprint than businesses that rely on raw material extraction and manufacturing.

how will we move from where we are today to be less wasteful and eventually become a “zero waste” society? We propose to strengthen and enhance environmental standards, while improving waste diversion and disposal practices and operations.

The National Zero Waste Council defines zero waste as a whole-system approach that aims to eliminate rather than ‘manage’ waste. It is a guiding design philosophy for eliminating waste at source and at all points down the product supply chain. It shifts from the current one-way linear resource use and disposal culture to a closed-loop circular system.


eveRyone Has a Role to Play

We will continue to engage and work collaboratively with all interested stakeholders, including industry stewards, Producer responsibility organizations, municipal communities, industrial, commercial and institutional organizations, academics, non-government organizations, industry and other interested parties. We will also continue working with our first Nations and Métis partners.

Manitoba’s waste reduction and product stewardship programs have been built from the grassroots level, in response to public interest. The programs have been successful due to significant public participation and a high level of involvement from industry, local communities and non-government organizations in their design and operation. Without strong action and involvement by the public we would not have made the progress we have.

all Manitobans will have the opportunity to provide input into this discussion paper. We welcome your ideas, suggestions and feedback on plan priorities and options for action. send your suggestions and comments about this discussion paper to the address below by March 20, 2015.

Manitoba conservation and Water stewardship recycling and Waste reduction: a Discussion Paper 1007 century street Winnipeg, Manitoba r3h 0W4 email: [email protected] www.manitoba.ca

ManitobaEcoDepot.caWhether it’s for a mobile phone, old tires or the paint from that reno you did last year, our new search tool will help you find the nearest depot to recycle it—anywhere in Manitoba. Now it’s easy to search by location or by the type of product

you want to drop off, making us your go-to recycling resource.

Not sure where to take

your recyclables?

enGAGeMenT

Green Manitoba acts as a provincial “hub” of waste reduction information. find your nearest eco-Depot is a mobile app to help you recycle. see Green Manitoba at www.greenmanitoba.ca.

2014

Documents

Recycling and Waste Reduction - Manitoba · 4 Recycling and Waste Reduction: a discussion docuMent Manitoba has made great strides to prevent and recycle waste. Municipalities, industries,