ICI Committee meeting notes - 2010 - Recycling Council of Alberta
ICI Committee meeting notes - 2010 - Recycling Council of Alberta
ICI Committee meeting notes - 2010 - Recycling Council of Alberta
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Industrial, Commercial and Institutional <strong>Committee</strong><br />
Meeting Notes<br />
February 16, <strong>2010</strong>, 11:20 a.m.<br />
Red Deer Lodge, Red Deer, <strong>Alberta</strong><br />
Goal: Encourage and assist the <strong>ICI</strong> and C&D sectors to responsibly manage<br />
their waste stream, assume product stewardship, increase recycled content<br />
and conserve resources.<br />
Objectives:<br />
• Promote <strong>ICI</strong> waste stewardship and reduction.<br />
• Promote construction and demolition waste reduction.<br />
• Encourage design-for-environment.<br />
• Recognize excellence in product stewardship.<br />
= Action Items<br />
Present: Claudia Boecking, Colin Carter, Kelly Dallyn, Lyle H<strong>of</strong>fman, Mark Jette,<br />
Daryl McCartney, Cole Nelson, Natasha Page, Dave Schaaf, Trent Tompkins,<br />
Neil Wiens, Dan Zembal<br />
Chaired by Dan Zembal<br />
Organics Discussion<br />
Input received (December action item): email from Greenit Cleanit (composting facility in<br />
Edmonton) and two reports from Daryl McCartney.<br />
Neil listed the following already existing organics diversion activities:<br />
• Safeway – used to compost in Bowden, Bowden is closing, they’re now talking to Neil to<br />
compost at BioCycle<br />
• U <strong>of</strong> A – diverting institutional organics<br />
• U <strong>of</strong> C – large pilot on organics diversion<br />
• East Calgary – facility is up and running<br />
• Edmonton – biosolids program<br />
• Bowden – shutting down March 31, federal budget cuts<br />
Dave Schaaf said that lots <strong>of</strong> leaf & yard waste composting is already happening. More<br />
barriers for “processed organics” – committee should focus on solutions for processed<br />
organics while not excluding leaf & yard. Find composting facilities and collection<br />
infrastructure that can take every type <strong>of</strong> organics.<br />
Natasha has a list <strong>of</strong> all composting facilities in <strong>Alberta</strong>, including details <strong>of</strong> what material<br />
they take and what tonnages they process annually.<br />
Markets need to be developed. Overcome barriers / perception <strong>of</strong> product quality. The<br />
committee wants to find out costs to establish facilities, transportation infrastructure,<br />
markets, etc. Why is one company diverting and another is not? What motivates Safeway?<br />
Neil reported on the recent organics workshop organized by Green Calgary last week.<br />
160,000 t <strong>of</strong> organics are generated annually in Calgary. He said that pilots don’t work<br />
Page 1 <strong>of</strong> 3
<strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> Meeting Notes<br />
February <strong>2010</strong><br />
= Action Items<br />
because volumes are needed to make large-scale composting happen.<br />
Daryl said that <strong>ICI</strong> organics are low-hanging fruit (larger volumes / concentrated at specific<br />
locations) and therefore are easier to deal with than residential organics.<br />
Dan asked that Sarah provide a summary <strong>of</strong> their workshop findings, and forward the<br />
powerpoint presentations to the RCA <strong>of</strong>fice so they can be circulated and posted on the <strong>ICI</strong><br />
<strong>Committee</strong>’s web page.<br />
Daryl could give a presentation on the University <strong>of</strong> Manitoba projects.<br />
Cole – highlight cost savings: Calgary landfill $85/t vs. Bio-Cycle $50/t<br />
Daryl – keep in mind additional cost <strong>of</strong> source separation, but also benefit <strong>of</strong> GHG <strong>of</strong>fset<br />
Dave S. asked what the goal/endpoint <strong>of</strong> the <strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong>’s efforts are (“so we know when<br />
we’re done”)<br />
Visions:<br />
• Dave S. – being able to move the organics collection/processing ahead for Lethbridge. Fact<br />
sheet/instruction for municipalities to put organics diversion into place.<br />
• Neil – viable market close to where compost is produced. Need market for compost,<br />
collection/processing will come when market is established<br />
• Cole – wants to be able to facilitate synergies to divert organics<br />
• Daryl – short term vision: workshop at RCA conference or organics session, have speaker<br />
from Safeway and other larger <strong>ICI</strong> players (identify!), present best practices, economics.<br />
Workshop should be marketed to <strong>ICI</strong> sector, not just RCA members (ask Sarah Begg how<br />
she got all those big players to the workshop last week).<br />
Further discussion:<br />
• Cole – target customers that take large volumes <strong>of</strong> finished compost (residential customers<br />
per-bag needs are covered by big-box retailers and garden centres). Get contracts with<br />
Parks and Rec places.<br />
• Daryl – there is always a “need” for compost, but depending on $ there may not be<br />
“demand”<br />
• Natasha – who says we need “compost”? Look at broader “recycled organics products”<br />
which may include gas/energy generation, depending on feedstock. Create market for all<br />
organics products<br />
• Cole – let market decide what they want to do with the materials<br />
• Dave S – understand issues/barriers and identify resolutions for them<br />
• Dan – 3 big <strong>ICI</strong> players are targeting organics this year<br />
• Neil – issues/barriers: zoning and permitting (NIMBY issues). Need education on cost factor<br />
and long-term benefits<br />
Neil will forward a London, England study to the committee. The study says that anaerobic<br />
digestion is the most cost-effective way to deal with organics in that country. (Daryl<br />
disagrees – economics don’t work, power generation is expensive, much more costly than<br />
conventional)<br />
Page 2 <strong>of</strong> 3
<strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> Meeting Notes<br />
February <strong>2010</strong><br />
EPR Discussion<br />
No feedback received (December action item).<br />
= Action Items<br />
Colin has been looking further into batteries and fluorescent tubes. There is a program for<br />
rechargeable batteries – Call2Recycle (formerly RBRC). They’re opening up the range <strong>of</strong><br />
products they accept. Need more info on what they do with the batteries (especially the<br />
non-rechargeables that come mixed with the rechargeables). City <strong>of</strong> Edmonton is shipping<br />
batteries to Toxco – expensive shipping.<br />
Cole – $4.25/kg for EnviroSort to take non-rechargeable batteries. Fluorescent tubes<br />
covered by Proeco and Nu-Life, need education to let people know to make use <strong>of</strong> this.<br />
Dan – we need more info in writing / case studies, samples.<br />
Raise awareness <strong>of</strong> existing recycling opportunities. Solutions are out there, how do we get<br />
the waste generators to make use <strong>of</strong> them?<br />
Home Depot takes fluorescents from customers. Red tape re: ARMA / return-to-retail <br />
municipalities need to provide approval for businesses in their jurisdiction to become<br />
depots. Onerous for business headquarters to get individual approvals in each location.<br />
Best approach for stewardship / EPR? Electronics return-to-retail is common in US. Model<br />
needs to engage the business side.<br />
London Drugs takes back any old electronic item when you buy a new one there. E.g., you<br />
buy a new toaster, you can bring your old toaster to them for recycling (same with vacuums,<br />
any other electronics). They will also take back any Styr<strong>of</strong>oam and other packaging <strong>of</strong> the<br />
stuff they sell. This is not widely-known and marketed, though.<br />
As Arises<br />
Dan – C&D Program has not made it into the spring session <strong>of</strong> the legislature (bumped to<br />
probably fall <strong>2010</strong>). The Leadership & Advocacy committee is dealing with this.<br />
Cole – suggested that he could organize a council forum for RCA to present its case (on<br />
C&D). <strong>Council</strong> might then pass a resolution / take action / send letter to minister in support<br />
<strong>of</strong> the C&D program.<br />
Meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.<br />
Page 3 <strong>of</strong> 3
Industrial, Commercial and Institutional <strong>Committee</strong><br />
Meeting Notes<br />
April 13, <strong>2010</strong>, 11:05 a.m.<br />
Red Deer Lodge, Red Deer, <strong>Alberta</strong><br />
Goal: Encourage and assist the <strong>ICI</strong> and C&D sectors to responsibly manage<br />
their waste stream, assume product stewardship, increase recycled content<br />
and conserve resources.<br />
Objectives:<br />
• Promote <strong>ICI</strong> waste stewardship and reduction.<br />
• Promote construction and demolition waste reduction.<br />
• Encourage design-for-environment.<br />
• Recognize excellence in product stewardship.<br />
= Action Items<br />
Present: Sarah Begg, Claudia Boecking, Grant Cameron, Colin Carter, Kelly Dallyn,<br />
Ray Dumouchel, Mark Jette, Jason London, Shane Mulligan, Cole Nelson,<br />
Leah Seabrook, Jodi Tomchyshyn, Ian Traquair, Deborah Wehnes, Dave Whitfield,<br />
Dan Zembal<br />
Chaired by Sarah Begg<br />
1. Green Calgary Organics Workshop presentation (Sarah)<br />
Sarah gave a summary <strong>of</strong> the recently held workshop. A summary flyer was included with the<br />
agenda package. In addition to the compost facility contacts included in the flyer, Dave W.<br />
mentioned that the City <strong>of</strong> Calgary’s East Calgary compost pad, which composts residential<br />
unprocessed organics (mostly yard waste) is going to open up to be available to <strong>ICI</strong> sector<br />
organics as well. Dave has contact information.<br />
Sarah mentioned that the City <strong>of</strong> Calgary is currently doing a 5-year waste composition study.<br />
2. Review actions from last <strong>meeting</strong><br />
2.1. Review from Strategic Planning <strong>meeting</strong> in October:<br />
Sarah provided background on the October workshop discussions and outcomes.<br />
2.2. Actions/first steps to tackle Organics Diversion:<br />
Jodi suggested to contact Natasha Page at AENV regarding the recent recommendations<br />
regarding landfill bans.<br />
2.3. Actions/first steps to tackle Product Stewardship:<br />
• Find EPR model that encourages DFE and make recommendation to government<br />
with suggested products to start with.<br />
• Research on Packaging Stewardship Programs – What works?<br />
• Get a product stewardship program for the province for florescent bulbs and batteries<br />
• Research on packaging stewardship: Urban vs Rural<br />
Page 1 <strong>of</strong> 4
<strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> Meeting Notes<br />
April <strong>2010</strong><br />
= Action Items<br />
Jodi reported that the <strong>Alberta</strong> government has endorsed the CCME’s Canada-wide Action<br />
Plan on EPR which includes a priority list <strong>of</strong> products to create programs for (first on the list<br />
= packaging). EPR has not been proven to be the best model to influence Design for<br />
Environment (DfE). Jodi could give a presentation to the committee about the Canada-wide<br />
Action Plan. Brenna McLennan (AENV) could give a presentation to the committee about<br />
the status <strong>of</strong> the national program for fluorescent bulbs.<br />
Sarah asked what the <strong>ICI</strong> committee could do to help support the Action Plan. Jodi would<br />
like to hear some ideas on what the committee does NOT want to see in terms <strong>of</strong> programs,<br />
what does NOT work / what does work, which features <strong>of</strong> current <strong>Alberta</strong> programs are seen<br />
as an absolute “must” in future programs. She can then bring this feedback to the CCME’s<br />
committee that she sits on and use this feedback to inform early plans to develop a<br />
packaging and printed materials stewardship program for <strong>Alberta</strong>.<br />
Sarah and Olena will look into the difference between EPR programs and stewardship<br />
programs.<br />
EPR program assign responsibility for program management and costs to the producers <strong>of</strong><br />
the material. E.g. Packaging manufacturers, distributors and importers would be<br />
responsible for designing, implementing and funding the program.<br />
Product Stewardship programs assign responsibility for the management and costs <strong>of</strong> a<br />
program to a third party: government, a non-government ENGO, etc. For example, <strong>Alberta</strong><br />
<strong>Recycling</strong> manages the tire recycling program.<br />
3. The last 2 <strong>meeting</strong>s after the strategic planning session have been spent on a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
discussion and brainstorming. There have been a lot <strong>of</strong> good ideas and high level<br />
potential outcomes. We need to get down a level and think about what are some<br />
concrete projects or actions that the <strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> can do to move these priority<br />
areas forward. – Here are some ideas:<br />
3.1. Organics<br />
3.1.1. research and provide list <strong>of</strong> all companies in <strong>Alberta</strong> that do organics collection.<br />
Add to Enviro-business guide if they aren’t there already (1-2 people)<br />
– Ray, Olena and Sarah will develop survey questions to send to all RCA<br />
members. Find out which organics generators have a program to divert<br />
these from landfill / identify case studies. Potential to find out about<br />
organics processors that we didn’t already know about.<br />
– Natasha Page has a comprehensive list <strong>of</strong> organics processing facilities in<br />
<strong>Alberta</strong>.<br />
3.1.2. Research and provide list <strong>of</strong> <strong>ICI</strong> members that do organics collection at their<br />
facility (survey <strong>ICI</strong> members? Have them describe their process?) 1-2 people<br />
– Leah will look at companies in the Edmonton area and report back at the<br />
next <strong>meeting</strong><br />
– Green Calgary’s website pretty much already covers what Calgary area<br />
businesses do<br />
3.1.3. research and provide list <strong>of</strong> case studies from across Canada (<strong>Committee</strong> did a<br />
bit <strong>of</strong> this post Dec <strong>meeting</strong>. Do we want to add to this list, or leave it?)<br />
Page 2 <strong>of</strong> 4
<strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> Meeting Notes<br />
April <strong>2010</strong><br />
= Action Items<br />
3.1.4. Develop online resource for <strong>ICI</strong> sector and how they might start organics<br />
collection at their facility to post on RCA website<br />
3.2. Product Stewardship<br />
3.2.1. From Dec <strong>meeting</strong>: Look at Enviro Business Guide for fluorescent tubes,<br />
battery recycling – look up the companies and ask what they do (a couple<br />
people)<br />
4. Are there any other discrete projects/actions that committee members can sign up to<br />
and take on for the next <strong>meeting</strong>?<br />
Jodi said that she hadn’t been aware <strong>of</strong> London Drugs’ take-back program and asked if RCA<br />
could promote things like this more.<br />
The committee wants to feature at least one story about a “<strong>ICI</strong> Hero” in the Connector<br />
newsletter. The next issue will come out in May, deadline for submitting stories is the end <strong>of</strong><br />
April. This would promote good programs to our membership and therefore provide value to the<br />
membership. The committee doesn’t want to limit stories to what RCA members are doing.<br />
Progressive Company Contact <strong>Committee</strong> member who will pursue<br />
getting a Connector story from them<br />
London Drugs Morie McCoslan Dan / Grant C<br />
Rona<br />
Home Depot<br />
IKEA<br />
Canadian <strong>Council</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
Grocery Distributors<br />
Safeway<br />
Environmental<br />
committee<br />
Allan Langdon<br />
Wal-Mart Andrew Telfer /<br />
Christian Shelepuk<br />
Proeco<br />
Lululemon<br />
HBC<br />
Maegan<br />
Sarah<br />
Sarah<br />
Grant C<br />
Ian<br />
Dan<br />
Wal-Mart was also suggested as a potential conference speaker (either Andrew or<br />
Christian).<br />
5. As arises<br />
C&D Program – Dan recapped on the status <strong>of</strong> the program. Mark reported on his recent<br />
<strong>meeting</strong> with Ken Faulkner at the Premier’s Calgary Office who suggested to educate all MLAs<br />
and also to target members <strong>of</strong> the Agenda & Priorities <strong>Committee</strong> and Cabinet Policy<br />
<strong>Committee</strong> on Resources and the Environment to ensure that the C&D legislation gets on the<br />
fall agenda. Timeframe: from now until August. Counter the misperception that the program is<br />
“another tax”.<br />
The recently developed “How to contact your MLA” document, along with the C&D speaking<br />
Page 3 <strong>of</strong> 4
<strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> Meeting Notes<br />
April <strong>2010</strong><br />
= Action Items<br />
<strong>notes</strong>, will be forwarded to all committee members. Everyone is encouraged to contact at least<br />
one MLA between now and August.<br />
Grant suggested that the L&A <strong>Committee</strong> could also set up a document (speaking <strong>notes</strong>) that<br />
outlines good <strong>Alberta</strong> programs that have been implemented so far, and the successes they’ve had.<br />
Meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m.<br />
Page 4 <strong>of</strong> 4
Industrial, Commercial and Institutional <strong>Committee</strong><br />
Meeting Notes<br />
June 18, <strong>2010</strong>, 2:50 p.m.<br />
Bluffton Community Hall, Bluffton, <strong>Alberta</strong><br />
Goal: Encourage and assist the <strong>ICI</strong> and C&D sectors to responsibly manage<br />
their waste stream, assume product stewardship, increase recycled content<br />
and conserve resources.<br />
Objectives:<br />
• Promote <strong>ICI</strong> waste stewardship and reduction.<br />
• Promote construction and demolition waste reduction.<br />
• Encourage design-for-environment.<br />
• Recognize excellence in product stewardship.<br />
= Action Items<br />
Present: Claudia Boecking, Ray Dumouchel, Olena Juzkiw, Cole Nelson, Trent Tompkins,<br />
Deborah Wehnes<br />
Guests: <strong>Recycling</strong> Ambassadors Christopher Haseltine and Tristan Drozdiak<br />
1. Follow up discussion to lunch time presentation by Jodi on EPR Framework:<br />
1.1. come up with suggestions <strong>of</strong> materials that we DO and DO NOT want to see in an<br />
EPR program<br />
1.2. which features <strong>of</strong> current <strong>Alberta</strong> programs are seen as an absolute “must” in future<br />
programs (to take the CCME committee)<br />
Review <strong>of</strong> actions from last <strong>meeting</strong>:<br />
• Sarah/Olena re: difference between EPR & Stewardship – Jodi Tomchyshyn (AENV)<br />
presented on this topic over lunch today<br />
• Walmart conference speaker – Christina is in discussions with Walmart<br />
• C&D speaking <strong>notes</strong> were distributed<br />
Action for next <strong>meeting</strong>: Olena asked that everyone review the Canada-Wide Action Plan<br />
that was circulated to the committee and look at the list <strong>of</strong> products. From that list <strong>of</strong> products,<br />
select two that the committee should focus on.<br />
Brenna McLennan (AENV) will give a presentation at the August <strong>meeting</strong> on the national<br />
fluorescent lamps program. Natasha Page (AENV) will talk about landfill bans.<br />
Trent reported that Edmonton is currently handling fluorescent lamps from both the residential<br />
and <strong>ICI</strong> sectors. This is only possible as long as fluorescent lamps are not designated as<br />
“hazardous waste”.<br />
2. Action from last <strong>meeting</strong>: Leah to provide list <strong>of</strong> <strong>ICI</strong> members that do organics<br />
collection at their facility (Edmonton Area)<br />
No update – Leah not in attendance today.<br />
Page 1 <strong>of</strong> 2
<strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> Meeting Notes<br />
June <strong>2010</strong><br />
= Action Items<br />
3. Develop a questionnaire for RCA members, asking what generators <strong>of</strong> organic waste<br />
have a program and what it looks like (to be included with a survey that another<br />
committee is doing) – should we ask any other survey questions at the same time?<br />
Cole provided some background on the origin and intent <strong>of</strong> this idea. Olena will draft and<br />
circulate potential survey questions to the committee for review by July 20.<br />
Trent reported that he got a call from Walmart asking about “de-packaging” and recycling <strong>of</strong><br />
expired food items. Edmonton will run 17 trailer loads <strong>of</strong> packaged food through their cocomposter’s<br />
drums as a trial, the organic portion <strong>of</strong> the food items will be composted.<br />
4. Who wants to work on: Developing online resource for <strong>ICI</strong> sector and how they might<br />
start organics collection at their facility to post on RCA website?<br />
Olena asked Trent if the City <strong>of</strong> Edmonton had any resources <strong>of</strong> this sort. Trent said the city<br />
started accepting <strong>ICI</strong> customers in April when council gave administration the mandate to<br />
become a player in the market. Both the co-composter and the MRF will accept commercial<br />
waste now, and the city will also compete with haulers on bids for collection. This, however, is<br />
not widely advertised. Information can be obtained by phoning 311 in Edmonton, or at<br />
edmonton.ca. The city can collect bagged garbage and recyclables in the same bin (black bag =<br />
garbage, blue bag = recyclables). The different bags will be separated when moving through the<br />
pre-processing floor.<br />
5. “<strong>ICI</strong> Hero” in the Connector newsletter: brainstorm candidates and commitment to<br />
write a story<br />
Olena will send a story about CBE.<br />
Trent said that if the city gets a big contract next week, he could get that client to submit a story<br />
(bid is for full source-separated recycling & composting at over 90 sites in Edmonton).<br />
Athabasca is going to start collecting <strong>ICI</strong> waste/recycling as well. Calgary currently does it on a<br />
small scale.<br />
Ray said that once the university goes fully commingled, there would be a story to submit<br />
(however, the launch keeps getting pushed back). The switch would result in less vehicles<br />
coming on campus, all bins will be compactors which take longer to fill up, therefore making<br />
transportation more efficient and requiring less frequent pick-ups.<br />
Olena will inquire with U <strong>of</strong> C regarding a story about their new in-vessel composter.<br />
Meeting adjourned at 3:29 p.m.<br />
Page 2 <strong>of</strong> 2
Industrial, Commercial and Institutional <strong>Committee</strong><br />
Meeting Notes<br />
August 17, <strong>2010</strong>, 10:35 a.m.<br />
Red Deer Lodge<br />
Goal: Encourage and assist the <strong>ICI</strong> and C&D sectors to responsibly manage<br />
their waste stream, assume product stewardship, increase recycled content<br />
and conserve resources.<br />
Objectives:<br />
• Promote <strong>ICI</strong> waste stewardship and reduction.<br />
• Promote construction and demolition waste reduction.<br />
• Encourage design-for-environment.<br />
• Recognize excellence in product stewardship.<br />
= Action Items<br />
Present: Sarah Begg, Claudia Boecking, Kelly Dallyn, Ray Dumouchel, Warren Graumann,<br />
Carlos Hunte, Olena Juzkiw, Tami Rothery, Dave Schaaf, Leah Seabrook<br />
Via Phone: Brenna McLennan<br />
1. Select two products from Canada-Wide Action Plan that the <strong>ICI</strong> committee should<br />
focus on (action from last <strong>meeting</strong>)<br />
Olena had asked at the June <strong>meeting</strong> that everyone review the Canada-Wide Action Plan that<br />
was circulated to the committee and look at the list <strong>of</strong> products. From that list <strong>of</strong> products, the<br />
committee then would select two products to focus on.<br />
Olena suggested that fluorescent lamps should be one <strong>of</strong> the committee’s focus materials.<br />
Brenna said that automotive materials are not a priority material for her group at AENV right<br />
now. Rather, they’re focusing on packaging and printed materials (work to start soon, led by<br />
Jodi) and C&D waste, which are both high-volume material streams.<br />
Sarah suggested that <strong>ICI</strong> pick Packaging & Printed Materials as focus material #2, even though<br />
these are listed as two separate items on the CCME’s action plan.<br />
Dave suggested that the <strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> <strong>of</strong>fer to provide feedback on CCME’s and AENV’s<br />
discussions regarding packaging as well, if Jodi can share details.<br />
Dave asked how to get the <strong>ICI</strong> sector to separate cardboard – some do it, others don’t.<br />
Barriers: more expensive / time-consuming / space issues / convenience / not mandatory.<br />
Ray suggested to encourage Connector readers to ask their grocery/retail stores where the<br />
5 cents fee for plastic bags is going / what it’s used for. In his experience, cashiers usually don’t<br />
have a clue. This would be a part <strong>of</strong> raising packaging awareness.<br />
Ray is chairing a <strong>meeting</strong> <strong>of</strong> western post-secondary education institutions – their focus tends to<br />
be on deferred maintenance. He feels that not enough educational institutions attend the RCA<br />
conference. <strong>Recycling</strong> / waste diversion is not on their radar, they have other priorities. Sarah<br />
said that change can’t be initiated from the outside, but rather a champion on the inside needs<br />
to take the lead to push for and implement recycling and waste reduction programs.<br />
Page 1 <strong>of</strong> 3
<strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> Meeting Notes<br />
August <strong>2010</strong><br />
= Action Items<br />
The educational sector could be another focus for the <strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> – get them to change first,<br />
then expand into other commercial / industrial areas.<br />
Warren said that the processors should be pressured more. 1) They need to give customers an<br />
idea <strong>of</strong> rebates for the materials they ship (long-term projections); 2) Need to accept<br />
commingled or at least bagged-commingled material; 3) Service needs to cover whole province.<br />
Tami suggested to invite processors to have a conversation and identify the barriers to<br />
accepting commingled materials. Sarah said that she’s never been able to get more details from<br />
processors on their plans – they always keep their message very vague.<br />
Olena said that at the next <strong>meeting</strong>, the <strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> will talk about how they can promote<br />
Packaging diversion. Updates on discussions and findings will be published in each Connector.<br />
2. Brenna McLennan – presentation on the national fluorescent lamps program<br />
Brenna reported that she’s involved in a group that wants to develop a national EPR program<br />
for fluorescent lamps. Federal energy efficiency regulations will come into effect in 2012, at<br />
which point incandescent bulbs should be phased out and replaced with more energy-efficient<br />
alternatives.<br />
Environment Canada (EC) is developing national regulations and standards for the recycling <strong>of</strong><br />
fluorescent bulbs. Provinces that already have regulations in place won’t be affected, but those<br />
provinces that don’t have their own will have to follow the national rules.<br />
<strong>Alberta</strong> Environment will wait for the national regulations and don’t have any own plans in the<br />
meantime. Fluorescent bulbs are not a large-volume waste item.<br />
Sarah asked if the <strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> could provide feedback into the national process. Brenna<br />
will check with EC at their next <strong>meeting</strong> on Oct. 25 whether she can provide the <strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong><br />
with documents to comment on.<br />
Olena said that CBE still finds fluorescent bulbs a challenge. Brenna will forward AENV’s<br />
fact sheet on recycling FLRs. Green Calgary also has a fact sheet, which had been shared with<br />
the committee at an earlier <strong>meeting</strong>.<br />
Brenna will write an article for the Connector about “what should we be doing right now with<br />
FLRs and what changes might come in the future”. The article will include a link to AENV’s fact<br />
sheet. Olena will ask Maegan for input into the article from Proeco’s perspective. The next<br />
Connector is due to be published soon – articles should be submitted to the RCA <strong>of</strong>fice by early<br />
next week.<br />
3. Leah to provide list <strong>of</strong> <strong>ICI</strong> members that do organics collection at their facility<br />
(Edmonton Area) (action from April <strong>meeting</strong>)<br />
Leah will provide this by the end <strong>of</strong> August and email it to Claudia for distribution to the<br />
committee. A student working for Leah is still working on compiling the list <strong>of</strong> which<br />
organizations send organics to the two composting facilities in the area (City <strong>of</strong> Edmonton,<br />
Cleanit Greenit).<br />
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<strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> Meeting Notes<br />
August <strong>2010</strong><br />
4. Olena – draft potential survey questions (action from last <strong>meeting</strong>)<br />
= Action Items<br />
Olena has not started on this yet, but will have something by the end <strong>of</strong> August. Tami<br />
confirmed that the Governance <strong>Committee</strong> is still planning to do a membership survey, and will<br />
keep in mind that the <strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> wants to tack on a couple <strong>of</strong> questions to this survey.<br />
5. Online resource for <strong>ICI</strong> sector<br />
The planned Connector articles on fluorescent lamps, packaging, etc. will be the forum for <strong>ICI</strong><br />
updates, rather than a website.<br />
6. “<strong>ICI</strong> Hero” Connector Stories<br />
Olena will send a story about CBE by the end <strong>of</strong> this week.<br />
Leah suggested a story on the Edmonton Folk Festival’s waste reduction initiatives.<br />
7. Reminder <strong>of</strong> RCA’s Travel Allowance Policy (conference subsidy)<br />
The policy was included in the agenda package.<br />
8. As arises<br />
Sarah mentioned Dan’s recent story in the Calgary Herald re: C&D recycling. What other<br />
pushes can we make? Ray suggested to lobby <strong>Alberta</strong> Infrastructure as well – they don’t seem<br />
aware about the upcoming C&D program, yet they make decisions about building funding for<br />
the post-secondary sector. Warren asked if anybody is leaning on the Home Builders<br />
Association – they should be doing what Dan did.<br />
Meeting adjourned at 12:01 p.m.<br />
Next <strong>meeting</strong> – December 14, <strong>2010</strong> in Edmonton (at U <strong>of</strong> A), in conjunction with the<br />
RCA’s Christmas Party.<br />
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Industrial, Commercial and Institutional <strong>Committee</strong><br />
Meeting Notes<br />
December 14, <strong>2010</strong>, 3:00 p.m.<br />
Alumni House, University <strong>of</strong> <strong>Alberta</strong>, Edmonton<br />
Goal: Encourage and assist the <strong>ICI</strong> and C&D sectors to responsibly manage<br />
their waste stream, assume product stewardship, increase recycled content<br />
and conserve resources.<br />
Objectives:<br />
• Promote <strong>ICI</strong> waste stewardship and reduction.<br />
• Promote construction and demolition waste reduction.<br />
• Encourage design-for-environment.<br />
• Recognize excellence in product stewardship.<br />
= Action Items<br />
Present: Sarah Begg, Claudia Boecking, Dan Danylak, Ray Dumouchel, Jennifer Martin,<br />
Cole Nelson, Scott Nicol, Tami Rothery, Leah Seabrook, Ian Traquair, Dave Whitfield,<br />
Dan Zembal<br />
1. Introductions & Mandate Review<br />
Tami opened the <strong>meeting</strong> and asked for round-table introductions.<br />
The <strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> doesn’t currently have a formal Terms <strong>of</strong> Reference (outlining powers/duties,<br />
goals & objectives, core membership, etc.). Tami asked whether the committee would want to<br />
develop a ToR document.<br />
Dan suggested that goals and objectives are already defined as above. An Annual Plan would<br />
be <strong>of</strong> more value for the committee, outlining what the group wants to accomplish in its<br />
5-6 <strong>meeting</strong>s per year. Consistency (member participation) is important and needs to be<br />
improved.<br />
Tami committed to following up on outstanding action items.<br />
2. Minutes From Last Meeting / Action Items<br />
• Promote packaging diversion – publish results in Connector<br />
• Brenna to check into whether the committee would be able to see and comment on<br />
documents about the national fluorescents program<br />
Dan D. pointed out that AENV’s fact sheet re: fluorescent lamps is outdated<br />
• Connector articles / <strong>ICI</strong> Heroes<br />
Ray will submit a story about U <strong>of</strong> A’s <strong>2010</strong> organics diversion success by<br />
mid-January<br />
3. Review <strong>of</strong> <strong>2010</strong><br />
While reviewing past <strong>meeting</strong> <strong>notes</strong>, Tami noticed a lot <strong>of</strong> recurring themes regarding the <strong>ICI</strong><br />
committee’s mandates and potential tools to use/implement. She said that these have been<br />
discussed enough and the committee should now focus on actual actions and solutions.<br />
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<strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong> Meeting Notes<br />
December <strong>2010</strong><br />
4. Action Plan for 2011<br />
= Action Items<br />
Tami, Cole, Ian, Sarah, Dave W., Leah, Ray and Dan Z. committed to forming the “core group”<br />
<strong>of</strong> the <strong>ICI</strong> committee which attends the majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>meeting</strong>s thereby providing consistency.<br />
Communication between <strong>meeting</strong>s will be conducted via email. <strong>Committee</strong> members should<br />
make sure to “reply to all” whenever critical information is shared. Tami will hold members<br />
accountable for the action items they committed to.<br />
In order to keep track <strong>of</strong> its information and documents, the committee’s agenda packages<br />
will now be posted on the <strong>ICI</strong> <strong>Committee</strong>’s web page for access any time<br />
(www.recycle.ab.ca/ici).<br />
The main focus / primary topic <strong>of</strong> the committee for 2011 will be Organics. Other topics that will<br />
be monitored (updates to be provided as/if they occur) are Packaging and C&D. EPR, Zero<br />
Waste Education and Provincial Regulations for <strong>ICI</strong> (similar to Ontario’s requirement that all<br />
businesses recycle) will be deferred to later, unless a major development occurs or a different<br />
direction is mandated by the Board.<br />
Organics discussion:<br />
• Ray said that the City <strong>of</strong> Camrose is starting an organics program. The committee could<br />
provide support and guidance to them. There currently is a pilot project planned that<br />
accepts food waste from U <strong>of</strong> A’s Camrose campus.<br />
• Dan D. said that the health region is doing organics diversion at 2 hospitals. Dan is in the<br />
process <strong>of</strong> developing procedural guidelines.<br />
• Leah said that Strathcona County is talking to both local school boards who want to tie<br />
into the county’s organics diversion program.<br />
• Green Calgary has a list <strong>of</strong> organics haulers. Leah also provided a list. Dave W. can get<br />
an up-to-date list <strong>of</strong> permitted organics processors in the province. Sarah said that the<br />
situation is changing almost daily with new haulers and processors coming up.<br />
• Cole asked how the committee wants to define organics (leaf & yard, processed,<br />
unprocessed, biosolids)<br />
• It seems difficult to identify the largest producers <strong>of</strong> organics. Grocery stores, institutions,<br />
hospitality industry – who would have stats on these? Sarah cautioned that there are big<br />
regional differences as well.<br />
Tami will send out an email to start further focus conversation before the next <strong>meeting</strong>.<br />
<strong>Committee</strong> members will be asked to vote on their preferred geographic area, type <strong>of</strong> organics,<br />
type <strong>of</strong> <strong>ICI</strong> sector to focus first steps on. Preferences should be explained (i.e., why choose this<br />
geographic area, etc.) and ideally accompanied by case studies.<br />
Meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.<br />
Next <strong>meeting</strong> – February 15, 2011 in Red Deer.<br />
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