In Saskatchewan, the burning of copper wire has the attention of that province’s Ministry of Environment, while in British Columbia, regional officials are considering implementing a flow control system on recycling as part of a larger waste disposal plan.
The Canadian Association of Recycling Industries (CARI), Ajax, Ontario, is contacting officials in both provinces to defend the interests of scrap recyclers, according to The Pulse newsletter, circulated by that organization.
“For all of the well known potential environmental and health issues, burning is not an activity supported by CARI and its members,” notes the association in its newsletter. “However, the initial approach taken by the province will negatively impact legitimate recyclers and, in fact, create environmental problems.”
According to association executive director Len Shaw, CARI representatives have met with officials from the Saskatchewan Ministry’s Environmental Protection section in Regina, in an attempt to help the province meet its objective in a way that does not penalize metal recyclers using best practices. CARI’s participation has been welcomed, says Shaw. He adds that CARI members can help in the future by distributing educational information to suppliers of wire material and by ensuring the proper disposal of burnt wire. CARI is waiting for the next proposal from the Ministry, according to Shaw.
In British Columbia, the Regional District of Nanaimo is developing a Regional Waste Stream Management Licensing By-law, according to The Pulse.
CARI has written to the regional district, pointing out that while CARI supports the proper management of both wastes destined for final disposal and recyclable materials to ensure the protection of the environment and public health, waste management and recycling are different industries.
Differences in the two sectors and the possible negative effects of waste regulations applied to the recycling industry—with no potential for environmental improvement—were detailed by the group. CARI has offered to work with Nanaimo and is waiting for a reply to its comments, according to Shaw.