Curbside Collection Pilot Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries WMAC Meeting September 11, 2012 Battery Recycling in Ontario Municipal battery recycling programs typically use drop-off locations at retail outlets, pharmacies, municipal buildings and municipal recycling depots. In addition, municipalities hosts periodic Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection events and Environment Days where residents can drop off batteries. Most of the existing battery collection programs are based on public drop-off sites only. 1
Stewardship Ontario Battery Incentive Program The collection, transportation and processing of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries is managed as an incentive program by Stewardship Ontario (SO). The incentive program aims to increase the diversion of batteries to achieve the diversion target of 20 % of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries available for recycling in Ontario annually. The program is 100 % funded by the industry stewards that produce and sell the product. Battery Incentive Program- continued Only Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries are eligible as part of the battery incentive program: Commonly used in hearing aids and watches and provided within products such as toys, electronics, remote control, flashlights, smoke detectors, radios and emergency kits. o Alkaline-Manganese o Zinc-Carbon o Lithium o Button Cells (variety of chemistries) Niagara Region is currently participating in the Battery Incentive Program in partnership with Raw Materials Company Inc. (battery drop-off locations) 2
Niagara s Battery Recycling Program Since 1997, Niagara Region has provided a battery recycling collection program through the HHW depot in West Lincoln and the mobile HHW events. Beginning in 2008, Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries could be dropped off at the following Regional locations: Humberstone Landfill - Welland NRd12 Landfill - West Lincoln Bridge St. Public Drop Off - Fort Erie Walker Public Drop Off - Thorold Niagara s Battery Collection Program In 2011, approximately 34 MT of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries were collected through the Region s battery recycling programs. Also, a courier-based battery recycling program is operated by Raw Materials Company Inc. In 2011, approximately 2 MT of batteries were collected through the residential component of the program supported by Stewardship Ontario. In 2011, a total 36 MT of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries collected from residents in Niagara region 3
Gap Analysis Over 95% of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries sold in Canada are single use dry cell batteries. The amount of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries available in Canada for discard will be between 16,377 to 17,982 MT by 2015. In 2011, a total of 7,117 MT of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries were sold in Ontario. Current collection rate for discarded single-use dry cell batteries in Ontario is 5%. Most of the existing battery collection programs are based on public drop-off sites only. Municipal curbside collection service of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries is currently not available in any municipalities. Rationale for Curbside Collection Pilot Increasing gap between the projected amount of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries being sold and captured at its end-of-life. Need to think outside the box to close the gap. Estimated that approximately 230 MT of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries are available for recycling in Niagara region annually. Currently, approximately 36 MT of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries is being captured through the battery recycling programs facilitated by Niagara Region and Raw Materials Company Inc. There is a need to address the gap in a cost-effective manner that is convenient for the residents. 4
Curbside Collection Pilot Recycling of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries Consistent with the guidelines of Stewardship Ontario s Battery Incentive Program. Partnering with Raw Materials Company and Emterra Environmental. Cities of Welland and Port Colborne. Pilot timeframe is a two-week period from October 15-26, 2012 on the regular collection day. Low Density Dwellings (1-6 units) for a total of approximately 24,000 households. Only Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries will be collected. Curbside Collection Pilot Details Utilize existing recycling collection vehicles. Retrofit trucks with certified containers for the batteries. Residents directed to place batteries inside sealed clear plastic or zip type bags. Bags containing batteries will be placed on the ground beside the recycling set out. Batteries will not be mixed with source separated Blue and Grey materials. 5
Curbside Collection Pilot Details Unacceptable set outs will be left with an information card. Recycling collection operator will record all issues related to the battery collection on a tracking sheet. Implement using existing resources and at minimum cost. Estimate of $7,000 mainly associated with the promotional plan which consists of, media release, direct mail out and flyer distribution. Raw Materials Company Inc. will cover a portion of the collection and processing cost and will reimburse the region $1.54 per kilo of Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries delivered to the battery recycling facility. Pilot Objectives Gather data with respect to curbside collection of batteries: 1. Participation rate 2. Composition/Contamination 3. Collection efficiency / Time and Motion 4. Anecdotal observation (residents/recycling operators) 5. Volume and weight Evaluate feasibility of implementing a region-wide curbside battery recycling collection program. 6
Associated Risks Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries are similar in appearance to rechargeable batteries may result in a certain level of contamination. Improper set out practices may result in uncollected material left at the curb for an extended period. Set out interference at the curb may result in batteries littering the road and sidewalk. Single use button batteries (e.g. watch, hearing aid, toys, etc.) require safety measures for set out and collection. Due diligence require that the button batteries must be individually taped to prevent terminal contacts which may cause a spark. Pros & Cons of the Pilot Test Pros First Municipality in Ontario to undertake the service on a pilot basis. Increased capture rate for end-of-life household batteries that are at risk of improper disposal. Minimal budgetary impact to Niagara Region due to Stewardship Ontario s Battery Incentive Program. Cons Associated risks with set out and collection. Limited to Single-Use Dry Cell Batteries only. Residents may dump uncollected batteries or mix in garbage. Batteries destined to be delivered to a battery recycling facility are exempt from Ministry of Environment (MOE) regulations and manifest requirements of Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act (TDGA). Aligns with Council Business Plan objective #4 Environmental Responsibility 7
Questions? 8