CRWRP Meeting Minutes - Calgary Regional Partnership

CRWRP Meeting Minutes
March 11 th , 2009
Town of Strathmore
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Dave Whitfield, Alberta Environment
Bill Szabon-Councillor, Town of Nanton
John Deagle-FRSC
Melanie Cooke-City of Calgary
Peter Duck-BVWC
Darryl McDonald-Town of Okotoks
Joanne Walroth-MDRV
Cole Nelson, MDRV
Peter McDowell-Town of High River
Ty Stokes – Town of High River
Tammi Nygaard-Drumheller & District Solid Waste
Ken Prepchuk-Town of Strathmore
Shelley Armeneau-CRP
GUEST SPEAKERS:
Randy Gue-LaFarge Resource Recovery
Brad Schultz-Alberta Recycling
1. Presentation by Brad Schultz-Alberta Recycling
Brad’s presentation is posted on the website @
http://www.calgaryregion.ca/crp/media/53317/2009%20municipal%20presentation..pdf
Brad Schultz advised members that additional revenue is required for the Paint and Tire
programs and a fee increase has been recommended to the Minister. There is also a recommendation to
expand the scope of the electronics program. ARMA is looking for input from groups such as CRWRP, as
well as a letter of support. Member comments were as follows:
PAINT PROGRAM
• John Deagle noted the program has been working well since September after some growing
pains, due to a lack of bins. He is concerned the fee changes aren’t sufficient enough to
maintain for the future. Volumes may drop due to construction industry drops. He expressed
concerns about processors requesting old method of storing paint in heated building for
winter. Envirosort and Clean Harbor are in competition with each other.
• Brad Schultz feels the rate adjustment is sufficient based on their calculation. He expressed
his frustration with processors passing their workload onto others. He noted that latex paint
can freeze up to 6 times before it is of no value. Other options are available – use another
processor. Service level then may increase.
• ARMA hopes increase in fees will help with processor concerns as well, including more
competition.
• Another issue with processors is they refuse to take empty cans, even though it says on the
ABR website they are required to. This is something to be discussed with the processors.
ARMA will be asking if there is any interest in mobile balers. Brad asked members to contact
him regarding issues with processors. The ARMA website is a good source of contact
information for processors who accept commercial paint.
CRWRP Meeting March 11 th , 2009

CRWRP Meeting March 11th, 2009
2
• Members asked how municipalities are being approached for input. ARMA advised they are
meeting with groups such as CRWRP and other associations, as well as sending out letters to
Mayors and Reeves in the region. Articles will be appearing in regional newspapers and
letters will be going out to all collection sites as part of the stakeholder review.
• Tammy Nygaard asked what the market for empty paint cans is. Brad advised they are going
stateside.
TIRE PROGRAM
• ARMA is working with manufacturers and industry to determine how they can best fund the
processing of large off road tires (mining truck tires etc.). There won’t be a fee at purchase
time, but a fee will be paid post-processing.
• The proposed changes will include off road tires like agricultural tires. If ARMA does not get
the revenue to run program we will have to charge municipalities for the tires already on site..
• Joanne Walroth noted that because of their large area, they can’t provide enough sites for
recycling, so they go to the farmers for pickup of tires. Processors want 400 tires before they
will send out a bin. The same issues arise with processors for tires.
• Fee increase is still needed, regardless of agricultural tire collection, as all costs have gone up.
We will lose money on agricultural tires, but there will be some cross subsidization.
• Members asked if increase allows for compensation to municipalities for handling tires. Brad
suggested individuals apply for grants.
• John Deagle noted this is a cost to us to manage tires. We are not being compensated for
equipment and people. Grants don’t usually cover all costs. Municipality’s directive is to
charge for tire recycling regardless of grants.
• Brad Schultz advised that all increases will be brought forward for approval at the same time.
Paint is highest on their priority list.
• Brad further noted that a pilot project is being completed for off road vehicles. Until rate is
adjusted, can’t process them. They will be stockpiled.
ELECTRONICS PROGRAM
• In BC within 3 years all electrical products will have a fee attached, which ARMA feels is an
aggressive approach. They will be taking a more gradual approach to ensure fewer problems
with e-program.
• Members asked how electronic items would be managed. Brad advised they would all be put
in one bin and weighed.
• Are compact fluorescents included? Best person to talk to is Christine Della Costa (about the
potential for a stewardship program). ARMA will probably end up managing that program.
• John Deagle noted Red Deer has excellent program.
• New programs will be introduced as soon as ARMA meets with the provincial cabinet,
hopefully in the next month, and will take 3 months to implement.
• 780-990-1111 toll free 1-888-999-8762 email: bradschultz@albertarecycling.ca
• www.albertarecycling.ca
2. Presentation by Randy Gue – ARROWBIO Mechanical Biological Treatment of BSW
Randy’s presentation is on the CRP website @
http://www.calgaryregion.ca/crp/media/53327/arrowbio%20calgary%20feb09.pdf

CRWRP Meeting March 11th, 2009
3
Questions & Comments:
• Is this the best way to get recyclables out of stream? Would this type of plant still be able viable
in a sorted environment? A: Ideally, material would be source separated as that is costly and
this plant is capable of sorting out recyclables. Obviously economics are improved if more
recyclables are there to sell, so you would have to do a study of your MSW to find out what
composition is, and better model a plant. Q: Are they drawing from some sort separation? I
think in Australia, but not Israel.
• The digesting phase is better with more organics and more gas generated. With MSW you’re
getting a mixture of materials. More bio gas generated with more compost. Sewage sludge
may be added to the mix.
• Randy’s email address is Randy.Gue@lafarge-na.com
3. Review and Adoption of Minutes from February 11 th , 2009 Meeting
The Minutes were approved with no deletions or additions.
4. Old Business
a) Organics- Dave Whitfield advised in speaking with Angela Brightwell, she advised when
priorities were set on projects in Airdrie, the compost pad did not make the cut. They
won’t be moving forward on that this year. MDRV still optimistic to make year end, but
haven’t seen budget yet. Internal discussions are taking place regarding lagoons. Dave
asked members if anyone knew of any grants available at this time. None were noted.
5. New Business
b) Glass Recycling
Randy Gue also provided an update on the possibility of Lafarge taking glass:
Lafarge can use glass, but it is not a great raw material as sodium is added to it.
The challenge becomes contamination with metal. It goes into a giant crusher which is
sensitive to metal, and will shut down if detected. We can’t be constantly shutting
down. If glass is cleaned to the point of no metal, it would be more viable, but I realize
some of your facilities don’t have that capability. This is a quality control issue that
relates to Exshaw. You may submit a sample to determine if it is useable. Paper is not a
problem, unsure if aluminum is a problem or not. Could use in glass asphalt mix if fine
enough. Don’t know if it’s saleable. Product would go into manufacturers cement, raw
mix. As an alternative, could put us in touch with paving companies who have some
recycling programs in place already.
a) Non- linear compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Peter Duck advised these bulbs can be bought for the same cost as recycling them. The
issue is that non-linear tubes have to be packed in a barrel and shipped to Swanhills for
destruction. . He spoke with RCA and it was recommended that his commission should
draft a letter encouraging reduction for costs to municipalities. CRWRP may be useful in
this process and Christine Seidel would work on northern region. Peter has drafted a
letter for review and will forward to members. We can take 2 approaches, either
encourage ARMA to include these bulbs in e-waste program or make money available to
buy crushing equipment.

6. Round Table
CRWRP Meeting March 11th, 2009
4
• Peter asked if there is equipment available out there, and Darryl reminded members of
the presentation by K-Lite. John Deagle noted at the SWANA meeting he toured the
Red Deer facility and they have an air cyclone which takes tubes and possibly curly
bulbs, The unit is about $70,000. He is going to present the idea to his commission.
ARMA accepts this waste, which comes under HHW. Swan Hills deals with mercury.
Calgary materials exchange have program as well.
• Action: Peter advised he would circulate the letter for members to review and we can
discuss at next meeting.
b) Frequency of Meetings
Members discussed the frequency of meetings and decided to continue on with
monthly meetings, excluding the summer months and December. Further discussions
concluded that it would be beneficial for elected people to attend meetings whenever
possible.
c) Ag plastics
• Tammy Nygaard noted they are seriously looking at the huge agricultural industry, and
the thousands of “grain bags”. Olds will be trying to use their baler for these bags. Dick
Ellis tried to bale it, but not sure of results yet.
• Dave Whitfield suggested if we can get the bags in a manageable form, there is a market
for it.
• Tammy noted the bags are 350 lbs. A Bassano Hutterite Colony has approached her to
pickup bags. .
• Dave has heard from a farmer who can re-roll the product.
• Action: Dave will get in contact with him for more info.
d) Letter of support to ARMA
It was proposed CRWRP send a general letter of support of the program as proposed .
Members further discussed adding their concerns to the letter that the rate increase may
actually be too low. If munic ipalities are expected to do more work, they should be
compensated to run these programs. ARMA is budgeting for the processors taking the
product, but not thinking about the handlers’ increased work. They are expecting more
work without more funding. Action: Dave Whitfield will draft a letter to ABR with
member support, including concerns noted above
Ken Prepchuk: Still biding time waiting for market increases to get back on track. Nothing really new.
Budget passed and was able to get another full time employee. Capital projects on hold.
Joanne Walroth: On behalf of RCA, a protocol has been put in place for Green house gas credits for
compost and the Recycling Council is looking into developing a protocol for recycling programs.
Darryl McDonald: Our resource recovery plan has been given to council for review, and in principle,
they have bought in. We meet again at the end of the month to talk dollars. Looking at reducing waste

CRWRP Meeting March 11th, 2009
5
to 2 unit limit and redefining units, curbside recycling becoming mandatory, something on the books for
c & d waste, and grass leaves out of refuse stream. Program would yield a 80% reduction by 2015.
Bill Szabon: In the Town of Nanton we are reassessing recycling and waste programs. We entered into
another garbage contract. Looking to get as close to zero waste as possible.
Ty Stokes: Applied for a grant to do solid waste study, looking at options. We just have drop off centre
which goes to Okotoks. Looking at a small drop off location on the north side of town.
Tammi Nygaard : Have built cells 1 through 3 in 2008, continuing to build 4 through 7 in 2009. Also
currently working with consulting firm to expand existing recycling facility and build an additional
recycling facility. Tammi asked members about operators’ course. Members advised the MDRV is
holding a private course April 9 th through SWANA. She would be interested in information about
courses being held, and has 19 people to train. Tammi further noted the landfills are busy, three cells
built. Looking to build at new recycling building by end of this year.
Dave Whitfield: Busy as part of the technical committee for c & d waste project moving into next phase
of focus groups with industry. Committee is meeting with contractors, recyclers and waste operators as
well. First meeting is next Monday in Red Deer, and continuing through April. Expect to have
recommendations in to the Minister by early summer, and Implementation by 2010. C & d, organics and
packaging will be moving forward.
Cole Nelson: MDRV two landfill caps to complete. ARMA is sponsoring some round up programs.
Peter Duck: Organics collection has gone up in the last month, rate sheet is out on our website, hauling
rates going up $10 a year from $70. Talking with Canmore Collegiate High School about doing a
composting program using their outside garden.
John Deagle: He received an email update on the transfer station operators course on April 9 th in
Airdrie, as well as another May 14 th in Slave Lake. He attended the Composting Council of Canada’s
workshop in Red Deer. Labeling requirements changed slightly, contact him for details. Organics
program has done surprisingly well over the winter. He spoke with an individual from Saskatoon who
has been successful in static pile compost using a bathroom fan, and the coil of a perforated drainage
tile. Sent out for tender to build cell 110x220 and 26 people have taken out plans. Needs to get cell
constructed and protected before frost comes again.
Melanie Cooke: Delivery of 1st blue carts this week and they will start collecting on Earth Day. Has
placed order for back yard composters. Members to call if they need any composters and they will be
provided on a cost recovery basis.. Start collecting Earth Day.
7. Next Meetings
� Southern Alberta Waste Management Alliance in Champion next Friday. Open to anyone
who wishes to attend.
� Next CRWRP meeting set for April 15 th , tentatively at the MDRV. Cole Nelson to confirm.
Copper Stone Crushing tentatively lined up for April meeting.
� Put asphalt shingles on our agenda
Meeting adjourned 2:09 p.m.

CRWRP Meeting March 11th, 2009
6