RRFB Nova Scotia news and events - Working to improve Nova Scotia’s environment, economy and quality of life by reducing, reusing, recycling and recovering resources.
RETHE CAP Table of Contents RRFB Nova Scotia Funds Help Launch Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Curbside Recycling RRFB Nova Scotia Welcomes There is growing public Communications Assistant pg. 2 interest in recycling “StyrofoamTM” or Expanded Student Research Polystyrene (EPS). Grants Program Summit pg. 2 As a result of funding through RRFB Nova Scotia’s MAP Taking Innovation on the Road: Compaction Innovation Program, Valley Trailer Provincial Rollout pg. 2 Waste, in partnership with Scotia Recycling and CKF, Depot Day Informs launched Nova Scotia’s first and Rewards pg. 3 EPS curbside collection, processing and marketing 2014 Mobius Awards Recognize program last fall. Environmental Champions pg. 4,5 EPS is a very high volume 2014 ENVIRO-DEPOT™ but light weight material. Contest Winners pg. 6 Previously, it has not been Densified EPS at Valley Waste’s official program launch in November recycled in Nova Scotia because Photo: Courtesy of Valley Waste New ENVIRO-DEPOT™ markets had not been feasible Mobile App pg. 6 as EPS transportation costs are very high. Municipal Approved Funding (MAP) By purchasing an EPS densifier, Valley Waste Innovation supports the waste diversion 2014–2015 Trends, is now able to achieve significant volume efforts of municipalities in researching Year to Date pg. 7 reductions. Therefore, shipping costs are and developing new processes, methods, lowered dramatically and allow access markets and equipment to increase Nova Scotia Environment to end markets that were previously cost solid waste diversion in Nova Scotia. Regulation Update pg. 7 prohibitive. Trial runs of the recycling process Applications are open to all municipalities began in September. As of November 19, and solid-waste management regions. Shred Instead Event pg. 7 approximately five tonnes of EPS had already Got an idea for a MAP Innovation project? been recycled through the initiative. Contact us for more information. The Scoop on Waste Reduction pg. 8 RRFB Nova Scotia’s As of October 2014, our head office is now located at: 35 Commercial Street, New Location Suite 400, Truro, Nova Scotia, B2N 3H9.
PAGE 1 // Winter 2015 Student Research Grants RRFB Nova Program Summit Scotia Welcomes A summit showcasing projects of five recent student Communications research grant recipients was held at Dalhousie University, Halifax, on November 27, 2014. Thirty-five people attended, Assistant including students, faculty, industry, and government rep- Jessica Pettigrew has recently resentatives. During the summit, Nova Scotia Environment completed her third year of the also discussed project priority areas. The following students Public Relations program at presented their projects: Mount Saint Vincent University. - Waste Diversion through Site Specific Waste Bin She has joined us for her Standards, Naina Ummat (Dalhousie University) second co-op work placement - User-Friendly Interface and Database to Increase and will be working as the Recycling, Yichuan Xu (Acadia University) communications assistant over - Recommendations for the Collection and Recycling the course of four months at of Spent Residential Compact Fluorescent – Bulbs RRFB Nova Scotia. “There is in Nova Scotia, Maddy Crowell (Dalhousie University) a great team at RRFB Nova - Analysis of Aspergillus Oryzae Plastic Scotia that I look forward to Biodegradation, Savannah Hatheway (Dalhousie working with. I am eager to learn Agricultural Campus) and gain as much experience - Recovery of Agricultural Waste Plastics in Nova possible with my time here.” Scotia, Isaac Muise (Dalhousie University) Welcome to the RRFB Nova Two further student research grant summits are planned for Scotia team, Jessica! Jessica visiting RRFB Nova Scotia’s March 2015 at Acadia and St. Francis Xavier universities. processing centre in Kemptown
Taking Innovation on the Road: Compaction Trailer Provincial Rollout
In September 2014, RRFB Nova Scotia In recent weeks, adjustments have been The overall objectives of the compaction expanded its innovative compaction trailer made to the compaction trailer auger system, trailers are: process province-wide, representing a major allowing RRFB Nova Scotia to reach collection – Reduce costs and improve productivity step toward significant time and cost savings, targets for several weeks in a row now. – Reduce sorts and ENVIRO-DEPOTTM and environmental benefits. On November 3, PET plastic collection is going very well, handling RRFB Nova Scotia held the official province- continuously reaching approximately 7 to 1 – Deliver direct to market, further reducing wide launch at DeCoste Recovery Depot just compaction. handling outside of Antigonish. Nova Scotia’s Minister To date, the compaction trailers have – Centralize and streamline the system of Environment, Randy Delorey, was present transported 232 loads (109,329 bags) – Greatly reduce greenhouse gas impact at the event and provided positive feedback direct to the market, which would have about the new technology and the beverage equaled 1,401 loads under the former container recycling program. local cartage system.
PAGE 2 // Winter 2015 Depot Day Informs and Rewards The 3rd Annual Depot Day was held on A highlight this year was presenting the Thanks to our October 29 in Truro and was a big success. ENVIRO-DEPOT™ of the Year Awards. Depot Day sponsors: This year, 41 representatives attended, The Large Depot of the Year winner was Ermeltek International Services and all provided positive feedback on Bluenose Bottle Exchange in Dartmouth. The the event and the topics discussed. The Small Depot of the Year winner was King ADTS – Atlantic Diversified agenda included an RRFB Nova Scotia Street Recycling in Shelburne. They both Transportation Systems financial update, review of the Infrastructure received a plaque to post in their ENVIRO- MBW Courier Inc. Funding Program, a communications DEPOT™ and a gift certificate for White Point Novapet Inc. update, a presenter on Marketing Your Beach. An honourable mention went out to Stanhope Simpson Insurance Ltd. ENVIRO-DEPOT™, operations update Paper Chase Bottle Exchange in Yarmouth. on the compaction trailer, three Enviro- They received a restaurant gift certificate, Nexgen Municipal Depots presented on their best practices, and all three were recognized in a full page Flagship Construction and an optional tour of RRFB Nova Scotia’s ad in the Chronicle Herald. Halifax C&D Recycling processing facility.
Large ENVIRO-DEPOTTM of the Year Bluenose Bottle Exchange, Dartmouth “Prompt, courteous, customer attention.” Bluenose’s staff provide presentations on refundables to youth groups, churches, and schools. They maintain more than 130 accounts for charitable organizations, and assist with bottle drives and fundraising. They are always welcoming to visiting delegates and businesses from around the world, and they freely share advice with other depots. For their outstanding community commitment, Bluenose Bottle Exchange is our Large ENVIRO-DEPOT™ of the Year. CEO Jeff MacCallum and Todd White (Bluenose Bottle Exchange – Dartmouth) Small ENVIRO-DEPOTTM of the Year King Street Recycling Depot, Shelburne King Street Recycling Depot’s staff are engaged members of the Shelburne community, giving back to the environment and to their neighbours. They offer depot tours, free advice on cleaning and sorting, and accept donations for a wide variety of charities—including their designated charity of the month. They even add their own 10 percent donation on bottle drives. For being great environmental stewards and a great community resource, King Street Recycling Depot is our Small ENVIRO-DEPOT™
of the Year. CEO Jeff MacCallum and Lisa Rodgerson (King Street Recycling Depot – Shelburne) Honourable Mention for ENVIRO-DEPOTTM of the Year Paper Chase Bottle Exchange, Yarmouth Paper Chase’s employees believe knowledge is power. That’s why they spend so much time educating their customers, keeping each other up to date on health and safety issues, providing public depot tours, and organizing displays at local businesses. Their friendly faces are seen all over Yarmouth—they participate in festivals and open their doors wide for local organizations. For their commitment to education, outreach, and their community, Paper Chase Bottle Exchange is our Honourable Mention. CEO Jeff MacCallum and Peter and Dorothy Hadley (Paper Chase Bottle Exchange – Yarmouth)
Winter 2015 // PAGE 3 2014 Mobius Awards Recognize Environmental Champions
The 16th annual Mobius Awards of Environmental Institution of the Year Excellence were celebrated at a luncheon held in October. The Meadows Home for Special Care, Yarmouth The event was held at Pier 21, Halifax, with 119 people in The Meadows Home attendance. Our keynote speaker, Jon Montgomery (and his for Special Care proves that a lot of small efforts Olympic Gold medal), was a huge hit. But of course, the add up to a big impact. stars of the day were this year’s award recipients. They provide waste separation guides for Awards were presented by CEO Jeff MacCallum (far left) residents, use solar and Chair Rick Ramsay (far right). panels to preheat water, use bottles for Small Business of the Year condiments instead of single-serving packets, and use an on-site WearWell Garments Company, Ltd., Stellarton garden to grow food for residents and staff. Staff and residents at The Meadows are enormously proud of their achievements, and WearWell Garments, Nova Scotia is proud of them. a manufacturer and supplier of work apparel, has recycled Innovation in Waste Reduction 80,000–100,000 pounds of The Last Re-Sort Reuse Center (Valley Waste) scrap fabric every year. They have also dedicated their business Reusable waste to environmental responsibility products are rescued by recycling all paper, plastic, at Valley Waste’s refundable containers and transfer station and cardboard. Proceeds from refundables are donated to the IWK. brought to the Reuse Centre store. Their Large Business of the Year goal isn’t just to divert Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation material, but to change people’s idea of what NSLC is exceeding its goals for waste is, by highlighting waste diversion, reaching 98% the re-usability and desirability of what has been thrown away. and 99% diversion. NSLC was What started off as a pilot project in 2012 has now become an the first liquor jurisdiction in important part of Valley Waste’s landfill-diversion strategy. Today, Canada to implement a program the center diverts three tonnes of household material and two like this and that’s just part of its tonnes of construction material every month. commitment to environmental stewardship.
Mobius Awards
The annual Mobius Awards of Environmental In 2014, we accepted donations to Excellence recognize the achievements of support Nova Scotia Nature Trust innovative Nova Scotians who have helped make in lieu of ticket fees, and raising our province a leader in waste reduction. Mobius $3,065. This included a $1,000 nominations run from mid July to mid September donation from RRFB Nova Scotia on and the awards are presented in October. behalf of the 2014 award recipients, and a $1,000 donation from one of the attendees.
PAGE 4 // Winter 2015 Mobius Awards... Continued from page 4
Waste Reduction Education Program Honourable Mention for School of the Year Department of Community Development, Acadia University West Northfield Elementary Educating Nova Scotia’s This Lunenburg County next generation on waste school is full of unique, reduction is important. environmentally-focused In partnership with programs, from raising Valley Waste, Acadia butterflies to “Wasteless University’s Department Wednesdays” and a litter- of Community free playground contest. Development offers The Grade 6 Green Team a hands-on tour of even makes presentations Kentville’s waste management site, using a sci-fi time-travelling to younger students about recycling and promoting other green storyline to impress upon kids the importance of environmental initiatives. West Northfield Elementary also produces electronic responsibility. They learn how to take better care of the world we newsletters and they have a diversion rate of 80%. live in, and why it is so important in the first place. Best Community-Based Project Individual Excellence in Waste Reduction Beacon United Church Holly Morton, Yarmouth Not only do the pastor Holly Morton makes and caretakers encourage us think about the value congregants to sort and of what we throw away. recycle waste, but Beacon Her efforts are about to United Church has a be recognized in a new passionate environmental book called “Retrash,” champion in Stephen which chronicles the Sollows, chair of the work of 82 artists around stewardship committee. the world who are He takes a role as Beacon’s “Green Enthusiast,” donning a green reducing waste through innovative recycling and upcycling. cap during services to discuss environmentally-friendly initiatives. Beacon’s Bible school reserves a day to teach children about School of the Year the importance of caring for the planet, and food waste from the Tompkins Memorial Elementary, Reserve Mines daycare and other groups is composted and used in the garden. Students took action on reducing Honourable Mention, Best Community-Based Project waste at their Association for Textile Recycling school, which won Newly established Tompkins Memorial not-for-profit AFTeR Elementary in (Association for Textile Reserve Mines their Recycling) encourages Mobius award. When greater textile diversion the program began among the public. The earlier last year, 73% of the school’s garbage was heading association comprises to a landfill. By the fall that number was already down to 32% not-for-profits and and shrinking further. Their goal is to have at least one “zero- other organizations garbage day.” throughout the province who collect and recycle old clothes and household textiles through clothing bins and drop-off centres. Their public outreach and cooperative partnerships with other not-for-profits have brought them a great deal of attention already, and their profile is only growing.
Winter 2015 // PAGE 5 2014 ENVIRO-DEPOT™ Contest Winners
Each fall, RRFB Nova Scotia hosts the Liscombe Lodge donated the grand prize ENVIRO-DEPOT™ Contest to raise awareness of a four-day getaway package including of the deposit-refund program and attract breakfast, lunch and dinner, and RRFB Nova more customers to Enviro-Depots. This Scotia donated $500 spending money–a year, a Facebook advertising campaign combined value of $950. RRFB Nova Scotia invited customers to visit their local ENVIRO- also awarded seven iPad minis; one in each DEPOTTM to enter for a chance to win great of the seven waste-resource management prizes. The Facebook posts garnered over regions. As well, every ENVIRO-DEPOTTM 110,000 views, including many comments received a cooler bag of promotional items Karen Samoila (left) from Karen’s Depot about the prizes and interest in visiting an for one lucky customer. and Gilles Doucette (right) present prize to ENVIRO-DEPOTTM to enter the contest. Grand Prize Winner Alex Mitchell (center)
Congratulations to the 2014 ENVIRO-DEPOT™ Contest iPad mini
recipients Al Thompson (left) presents prize to Denise Dorothy Hadley (right) presents prize to Joan Aspinall – Valley Recycling, Greenwich Wyman – Paper Chase Bottle Exchange, Yarmouth
Stuart Potter (left) presents prize to Wayne Louis Macdonald (left) and Hughie Smith (right) Bruce Morrison (right) presents prize to Michelle MacDougall – Nova 4 Enviro Ltd., Amherst present prize to Bud MacDonald (centre) – Golden Erickson – Baddeck Recycling Depot, Baddeck Penny Ent. Ltd., Stellarton (Photo credit: The News)
Recycle
Sharon Harrison (right) presents prize to Deborah on the Go! Stover – Bluenose Bottle Exchange, Dartmouth New ENVIRO- DEPOTTM Mobile App
With the free My ENVIRO-DEPOTTM app you can recycle responsibly wherever you are in Nova Scotia. Whether you are on the road for work or pleasure, you can search for the closest TM Greg O’Leary (left) presents prize to Lloyd ENVIRO-DEPOT , find out what recyclable materials they accept, and get directions Rideout – W. O’Leary Auto Body Ltd., Windsor right on your smartphone. Download for FREE today for iPhone, Blackberry and Android. www.putwasteinitsplace/envirodepot.asp
PAGE 6 // Winter 2015 Nova Scotia Environment Regulation Update Submitted by Nova Scotia Environment
Nova Scotia has made substantial progress in solid waste-resource management. However, the percentage of materials diverted has reached a plateau with significant quantities of valuable resources— such as organics, paper, plastics, textiles, and construction/demolition debris—still ending up in landfills. This represents lost opportunities for resource recovery and has broader environmental and economic impacts. In 2011, Nova Scotia Environment consulted with targeted stakeholders on how to meet the waste disposal target of no greater than 300 kilograms per person per year by 2015. The need to substantially revise the Solid Waste Regulations was identified in this process. The department proposed regulatory changes based on this input and additional targeted consultations with municipalities and private sector partners who manage most of the solid waste resources in the province. Consultation also took place with academics, NGOs, residents, Region 3 Shred Instead Event, Truro producers, generators, and many other stakeholders over the last number of years. Shred Instead Events In May of 2014 the department led a public consultation on the RRFB Nova Scotia and the Municipal Solid Waste Management proposed changes, which included: product stewardship, disposal Regions hosted Shred Instead Events across the province to bans and approval requirements, clarity on energy from waste rules, celebrate Waste Reduction week, October 18 to 25, 2014. and improved enforcement of the regulations. The results of the Residents were invited to bring their personal papers to a consultative process are now being collated and will be utilized in central location to have them shredded and recycled responsibly the revision of the Solid Waste Regulations planned for this spring. for free. Throughout the week, a total of 25,100 lbs of paper was shredded! About Events took place in several locations, including: Truro Mall parking lot, Pictou County Wellness Centre, RRFB Nova Scotia Amherst Fire Hall, Elmsdale Superstore, Mic Mac Mall, Antigonish Mall, and more! RRFB Nova Scotia (Resource Recovery Fund Board Inc.) is a not- for-profit corporation working in partnership with Nova Scotians to improve the provinces environment, economy and quality of life by reducing, reusing and recovering resources. RRFB Nova Scotia administers the Beverage Container Deposit-Refund Program and the 2014–2015 Trends, Used Tire Management Program. We also manage a network of independently owned Enviro-Depots Year to Date throughout the province and work in partnership with Nova Scotia (September 30, 2014) Environment, the 54 municipalities across the province, industry and academia. Recognized globally as an innovator in waste diversion Beverage Container Deposit-Refund Program efforts, RRFB Nova Scotia delivers education and awareness programs, • Remittances up 1.1% compared to prior year partners with municipalities to develop and implement stewardship agreements, and promotes innovation though the development of • Revenue up 0.2% compared to prior year value-added manufacturing. • Redemption rate down, 82.4% versus 82.5% prior year Questions or comments about this publication, please contact RRFB Nova Scotia at 902-897-3253. Used Tire Management Program • Remittances in passenger tire equivalents down 3.1% For more information: • Tire revenue down 0.1% compared to prior year www.PutWasteInItsPlace.ca • Return rate up to 99% versus 91% prior year www.facebook.com PutWasteInItsPlace @RRFBNovaScotia
Winter 2015 // PAGE 7 The Scoop on Waste Reduction Nova Scotia has one of the best solid waste management systems in Canada. Our disposal rate is 47% lower than the national average! But there’s still more to be done. Check out these surprising statistics about what’s really in our province’s landfills.
Organics FibRE/ 26–27% is compostable waste that ends up in landfills paper 10–12% is recyclable paper that gets thrown away Plastic HOW 94% Approx. 376 million 19–21% is recyclable MUCH households have disposable cups are plastic that organics collection tossed into landfills should be Landfill diverted
waste Backyard IS in the composting TextileS 10–16% wrong available Keep coffee hot is Clothing everywhere and waste low that could place? with a Travel Mug Be donated
innovating to divert construction Clear & demolition waste 380 KG/YEAR 25–30% of NS solid waste is C&D material Current average bags per-person disposal rate linked to Turning shingles into PROVINCIAL GOAL REDUCE TO better diversion of organics paved roads & Wallboard 300 KG/PERSON BY 2015 and recyclables to livestock bedding
Funding is available municipalities currently USE from RRFB Nova Scotia for R&D projects in solid waste diversion clear bags 7 second-generation landfills 85% on garbage day across Nova Scotia manage waste and protect the environment 9 RECYCLING FACILITIES ACROSS THE PROVINCE PROCESSING MUNICIPAL COLLECTIONS PIPES collect the water that runs through the landfill. There are 80 Y 2015 TM R The water is then ENVIRO-DEPOT locations
UA monitored, tested province-wide to help N ENGINEERED
A put waste in ITS place J liners and treated
Go to PutWasteInItsPlace.ca for more ways we can work together to reduce waste.