Canadian Group Support Tire Diversion Plan

The Ontario Tire Stewardship announced its support for the proposed Scrap Tire Diversion Program, promoted by the Canadian Ministry of the Environment's Environmental Registry.

The plan aims to help eliminate irresponsible scrap tire disposal and promote increased recycling under the terms of the Waste Diversion Act.

If approved, the program would result in more tires being recycled and will create incentives for the development of innovative products with increased recycled content. The proposed plan also will put in place a structure to remediate existing stockpiles of tires.

"The Ministry of Environment has a strong record of taking action to protect Ontario's environment," said Glenn Maidment, chair of the Ontario Tire Stewardship Board of Directors. "By taking the steps OTS has recommended, the program will build upon this strong record and bring further rigor and certainty to the recycling efforts of Ontario's tire manufacturers and retailers - and consumers will know they are not contributing to environmental problems when they return their scrap tires."

Steps the proposal call for include the following:

-  Ensuring collection of over 90 percent and diversion of over 80 percent of scrap tires over the first 5 years of the program;

-  Eliminating illegal dumping by implementing a tracking system for tires from retailer to final user;

-  Cleaning up existing stockpiles within 5 years;

-  Eliminating arbitrary consumer disposal fees with a standardized and nominal Tire Stewardship Fee, ensuring 100 percent of monies collected go toward recycling-related initiatives; and

-  Promoting greater consumer awareness and education aimed at extending the life of tires and promoting proper recycling.

Ontario Tire Stewardship is an Industry Funding Organization, established by Waste Diversion Ontario to manage end-of-life tires. OTS developed the proposed Scrap Tire Diversion Program after extensive consultation with government, industry, community stakeholders, and other affected parties. It is designed to harmonize Ontario's regulatory regime with other provincial scrap tire plans and build on best practices.