Recycling Product News March 2024, Volume 32, Number 2

TURN FOOD WASTE INTO > 99.5% PURE ORGANIC FEEDSTOCK

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COVER STORY

JOHN SACCO IS CHANGING THE NARRATIVE AROUND METAL RECYCLING

20

ISRI2024 SHOW PREVIEW

26 A WIN-WIN FOR U.S. STEELMAKING

46

5 USES FOR DRONES IN RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

FROM THE COVER

The second season of Sierra International Machinery’s Repurposed docuseries is reshaping public perceptions of the

of the metals recycling sector.

See more on page 30.

CONNECT WITH US @RecyclingPN

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Do you have a story, equipment, or technology innovation, commentary, or news that our readers in the recycling industry should know about?

Drop us a line any time.

Contact: Editor Slone Fox at sfox@baumpub.com or 604-291-9900 ext. 335

MARCH 2024 | VOLUME 32 • NUMBER 2

EDITOR IN CHIEF

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EDITOR

Slone Fox sfox@baumpub.com 604-291-9900 ext. 335

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FROM THE EDITOR

HARNESS THE POWER OF MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA TO BOOST YOUR BUSINESS

The recycling industry isn’t just about bins and bottles anymore; it’s about clicks, shares, and making your business known. Marketing and social media are increasingly vital, with many recycling professionals embracing an online presence.

For the industry as a whole, social media plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental responsibility and changing public perceptions of recycling and waste management. Social media isn’t just a tool, it’s a megaphone for the industry. Through strategic campaigns, marketing can raise awareness about the recycling process, encourage proper waste management, foster a culture of sustainability, and correct common misconceptions. Ultimately, it can also increase the demand for recycled products, driving the industry’s growth.

On an individual scale, social media can help recyclers enhance their brand presence in a competitive market by highlighting selling points such as sustainability practices and the innovative technologies that make their operations unique. Social media also serves as a direct communication channel that allows companies to address customer questions, share real-time updates, and receive valuable feedback from the communities they serve.

Recycled commodities are often lumped into extremely broad categories, making it challenging to differentiate between individual brands when the end products (recycled paper, plastic, metal, etc.) are often similar, if not identical. Establishing a distinct brand identity in these markets requires creative and strategic marketing. By showcasing behind-the-scenes glimpses and success stories, companies can humanize their brand and build a stronger connection with their audience.

For a lot of recyclers, especially those who are less tech savvy, social media and marketing can be daunting. With ISRI2024 fast approaching, companies that have not yet expanded their business models to include these tools are in luck. The session Marketing Over Branding: How Focusing on Marketing Actually Builds Brand leverages strategies and industry insights to equip attendees with the necessary tools to enhance their brand presence, while The Formula for Social Media Success workshop helps recyclers identify target markets, build content and ad strategies, and measure their results.

On an individual scale, social media can help recyclers enhance their brand presence in a competitive market by highlighting selling points such as sustainability practices and the innovative technologies that make their operations unique.

Outside of sessions, the ISRI Convention’s show floor provides a great place for recyclers to start their online journey. Social media is instrumental during the event, with tons of opportunities for real-time updates and engaging content, such as live streaming, sharing insights from speakers, and visually capturing the show’s atmosphere. For those who aren’t able to make it to the convention, consider going next year, or checking out other local trade shows near you. Attending events in person and leveraging face-to-face networking opportunities can be an incredibly beneficial way of creating a brand offline.

In the same vein, I look forward to connecting with our readers in person at ISRI2024, so be sure to swing by our booth to say hello. On behalf of the entire Recycling Product News team, I’m excited for another great convention!

SLONE FOX Editor

sfox@baumpub.com

Nobody knows two-ram balers like Harris.

With

application knowledge to deliver the right machine for the job at the right price.

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COMPOST COUNCIL OF CANADA TO DEVELOP IN-FIELD DISINTEGRATION PROGRAM

The Compost Council of Canada (CCC) and Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA) have partnered to develop and implement an in-field disintegration testing and certification program for compostable products in Canada.

“The CMA and our in-field testing program were created to support consumer and facility confidence in claims and processing acceptance leading to high-quality compost,” says Janet Thoman, principal and compliance director of Compost Manufacturing Alliance. “Working with the Compost Council of Canada allows for the creation of a made-in-Canada solution for compostable claim substantiation leading to greater organics diversion from landfill and higher quality compost, delivering a real-life, systems-based sustainability solution.”

The partnership brings together technical and infrastructure expertise in composting and in-field compostable testing to deliver a compostable claims program for brand owners and organics recycling facilities. This collaboration builds on the already solid relationship between the two organizations.

The work ahead will include detailing the testing and acceptance dynamics, tracking, and communication as well as financial specifics. The announced intent of the Government of Canada’s Recycled content and labelling rules for plastics: Regulatory Framework Paper to require all items labelled “compostable” to be certified by an accredited third party is fundamental to the partnership’s program including demonstrating that the items labelled compostable and associated with organic wastes like food scraps and yard trimmings have undergone in-field testing at a composting facility in Canada, disintegrating by at least 90 percent during the actual composting cycle for that facility.

“Compostable products and packaging that directly relate to our green and brown bin collection programs across Canada can help improve input quality and processing efficiencies but their claim of compostability must be rigorously substantiated with both lab and in-field testing,” says Susan Antler, executive director of the Compost Council of Canada. “Our work with CMA along with the Government of Canada’s pending regulations for compostability will help support this.”

REPORT IDENTIFIES SIGNIFICANT GAPS IN U.S. RESIDENTIAL RECYCLING SYSTEMS

Identifying significant but fixable gaps in the U.S. residential recycling system, a new report from The Recycling Partnership finds that only 21 percent of residential recyclables are being recycled. The report shows how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies and proactive industry investment can close these gaps. Under EPR, the private industry funds improvements to the recycling system through packaging fees.

State of Recycling: The Present and Future of Residential Recycling in the U.S. compares the current state of residential recycling with five requirements that The Recycling Partnership has determined are necessary for a truly efficient system. Data from the report shows where the gaps are greatest, and where policy, investment, and action will have the largest impact. The report is based on multi-year field measurement studies conducted across the U.S. and The Recycling Partnership’s U.S. database, and uses an updated methodology for determining recycling rates that tracks materials throughout the system.

“Every year we trash 79 percent of recyclables, but we don’t need to,” says Keefe Harrison, chief executive officer of The Recycling Partnership. “Fixing recycling is completely doable –it just takes a clear plan and a true sense of urgency. This report outlines that plan. Our data provides an actionable road map for policymakers, companies, communities, and the public to ensure that recycling reaches its full potential to reduce waste and protect natural resources.”

The report identifies key strategies to address recycling system gaps, noting that EPR drives improvement in each of the requirements of an efficient system. The report also calls on policymakers at the federal and state levels to adopt EPR, companies to invest in designing all packaging for recyclability, and state recycling leaders to turn the report data into action, especially through communication, education, and public engagement in recycling.

CYCLIC MATERIALS OPENS MAGNET RECYCLING PILOT PLANT

Advanced metals recycling company Cyclic Materials has achieved successful results from its new Kingston, Ontario, pilot plant, where its proprietary Mag-Xtract technology isolates magnets from recycled end-of-life products. The design capacity of the plant is 1,000 kg/hour (8,000 tonnes per year), and initial runs have processed several tonnes of magnet feedstock per day.

“The launch of our pilot plant is a major step forward for developing a domestic, circular supply chain for critical materials at the scale needed to support the clean energy transition and technological innovation,” says Ahmad Ghahreman, co-founder and CEO of Cyclic Materials. “Our magnet-agnostic recycling technology produces one of the cleanest and highest quality mixed rare earth oxide products available on the global market – an environmentally sustainable, first-of-its-kind solution to the limited international supply of critical magnet materials.”

In 2022, Cyclic Materials completed an initial proof-of-concept of Mag-Xtract, processing 4,000 kg of magnet-containing products – including copper, aluminum, and steel – from endof-life products. These materials are critical to the development of electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, and other technologies.

In addition to developing Mag-Xtract, Cyclic Materials is scaling its proprietary hydrometallurgy technology to convert magnet feedstock and manufacturing waste into mixed rare earth oxide, cobalt-nickel hydroxide, and other by-products. Last fall, Cyclic Materials piloted its hydrometallurgy technology at a capacity of 10 tonnes/year. It is currently developing the first commercial demonstration plant for this technology with a target launch of Q2 2024.

REDWOOD MATERIALS EXPANDS IN EUROPE WITH ACQUISITION OF REDUX RECYCLING

Back in 2021, Redwood Materials announced its intention to expand in Europe to support the company’s goal of creating a closed-loop battery supply chain. Redwood says that localizing the global battery supply chain across the U.S. and Europe will be critical to driving down the costs and increasing the sustainability of electric vehicles and clean energy storage.

To help with this goal, Redwood Materials has acquired Redux Recycling, a leading lithium-ion battery recycler. The acquisition brings a well-established European presence into Redwood’s operations. The acquisitions will expand operations, increase capacity for battery recycling, and incorporate relationships with already-established suppliers and industry partners across Europe.

The facility, located in Bremerhaven, Germany, is equipped for 10,000 tonnes of annual processing capacity to recycle many form factors and lithium-ion battery chemistries and can recycle electric vehicle and E-bike batteries, stationary storage systems, and consumer devices like cellphones, laptops, and power drills.

AGROMIN RECEIVES $10 MILLION GRANT TO EXPAND COMPOST FACILITY CAPABILITIES

Agromin, California’s largest organic waste recycler, has received a $10 million grant from CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program to help communities turn more of their food waste and yard waste into compost.

CalRecycle’s Organics Grant Program is a statewide effort to expand and build new organic recycling facilities, allowing more waste to be recycled instead of ending up in landfills

where it emits greenhouse gases.

The funds will help Agromin expand its composting facility at Limoneira Ranch in Santa Paula, which currently sits on 15 acres and accepts only yard waste. Agromin plans to expand this facility to 70 acres and receive food waste as well.

A push to increase organic waste recycling and the use of recycled organic products has accelerated under California Senate Bill 1383 which requires the amount of green waste placed in landfills to be reduced by 75 percent by 2025 from 2014 levels. Jurisdictions are required to obtain recycled organic products (such as compost and mulch) made from green waste that would otherwise end up in landfills, which can then be used by farmers, landscapers, and residents.

GLOBAL SERVICE NETWORK

CIRCULARIX TO SOURCE PET FLAKE FROM REPUBLIC SERVICES

Circularix has made a supply agreement with Republic Services aimed at advancing the circularity of recycled PET. Circularix, in operation at its new Hatfield, Pennsylvania, plant with a second coming online in the first half of 2024 in Ocala, Florida, has committed to sourcing a portion of its post-consumer PET flake from Republic Services’ polymer centres.

Circularix says that the agreement represents true circularity, with domestically generated PET waste transformed back into food-grade recycled PET for domestic use.

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NOVELIS ENTERS NEW ALUMINUM BEVERAGE CAN SHEET AGREEMENT

Novelis has signed a new contract with Ardagh Metal Packaging USA. Under the contract, Novelis will supply aluminum beverage packaging sheets to Ardagh’s metal production facilities in North America.

This latest contract comes as Novelis is building a new rolling and recycling plant in Bay Minette, Alabama. Novelis says that the plant will be the first fully integrated aluminum plant built in the U.S. in nearly 40 years and will have an initial capacity of

600,000 tonnes of finished goods for the North American beverage packaging and automotive markets.

Novelis expects global demand for aluminum beverage packaging sheets to grow at a four percent compounded annual growth rate between 2023 and 2031. The demand growth is driven by consumer preference for more sustainable products and size variety, as well as more beverage types being packaged in cans, including water, energy drinks, soda, beer, wine, hard seltzers, and ready-to-drink cocktails.

AMP ROBOTICS REBRANDS

AMP Robotics is now AMP. After nearly a decade in business, AMP has become a company with a large fleet operating in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Japan. The company has evolved since its inception, and AMP decided it was time for a brand update.

“We’re incredibly excited about what we’ve shown is achievable when the capabilities of AI are built in at the facility level,” said Matanya Horowitz, founder and CEO of AMP, in a blog post. “Whether it”s in safety, data, reliability, consistency, handling of exceptionally dirty material streams, cost, or environmental impact, we’ve been able to bring a new level of performance into the realm of the possible –and we’re ready to rapidly expand the scale and scope of the recycling industry.” ✅

EVERY CAN COUNTS OPENS U.S. CHAPTER

EVERY CAN COUNTS has established a U.S. chapter to expand its global movement to inspire, encourage, and empower more people to recycle aluminum beverage cans. The U.S. chapter joins chapters in 20 other countries.

EVERY CAN COUNTS U.S. is a partnership between aluminum beverage can manufacturers (Ardagh Metal Packaging, CANPACK, Crown Holdings, and Envases) and aluminum suppliers (Constellium, Kaiser Aluminum, Novelis, and Tri-Arrows Aluminum).

The new chapter’s vision is to increase the amount of aluminum beverage cans collected and recycled in the United States

with a focus on away-from-home beverage can collection. These efforts are part of a strategy to make progress toward the ambitious U.S. aluminum beverage can recycling rate targets set by Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI) aluminum beverage can members. These targets include going from the current 45 percent U.S. aluminum beverage can recycling rate to a 70 percent recycling rate by 2030.

EPA AWARDS NEARLY $2.2 MILLION TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMPANIES

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will send $2,198,867 in research funding to 22 small businesses to develop technologies that will help protect health and the environment. The businesses will receive funding of up to $100,000 for six months for “proof of concept” of their proposed technologies. Companies that complete Phase I can then apply to receive a Phase II award of $400,000 to further develop and commercialize their technologies.

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SINCE

STEEL BALERS

ELECTRO-HYDRAULIC GRAPPLES

SPOTLIGHT

INTRODUCTIONS & UPDATES

Viably

HORIZONTAL GRINDER

The Komptech Lacero high-speed, horizontal grinder from Viably (formerly Komptech Americas) is a wood waste grinding machine that addresses the complex demands of the North American organics recycling sector. The Komptech Lacero fulfills the specialized needs of wood waste recyclers, mulch producers, logging and land clearing, and organics recycling companies. It’s a robust machine that is precision-engineered and boasts a 41-inch diameter downswing drum powered by a CAT C18 diesel engine and PT Tech clutch, providing up to 812 hp.

This tracked machine also has an optional 3-axle dolly system that allows for seamless on-road transport, making it flexible and functional. An integrated control system provides

real-time diagnostics and a wireless remote control with a comprehensive machine status display for efficient use. The expansive feed hopper and Smart Grind program control assure continuous and efficient material feed.

A two-part screen basket system allows the machine to be ideally matched to the desired material quality. The screen basket carrier also has a safety system that triggers on contact with a solid impurity and thus protects the machine from further damage.

The powerful discharge system with a discharge height of almost five metres takes care of material removal. Movement is ensured by a robust tracked undercarriage with a track width of 500 millimetres. The machine is equipped with the Komptech Connect! condition monitoring system as standard. It can be expanded to include fully integrated volume throughput measurement so that you can always keep an eye on your machine.

Horizontal grinder

A LONG WAY TOGETHER

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SPOTLIGHT

INTRODUCTIONS & UPDATES

Vermeer SHREDDER

Vermeer’s LS3600TX low-speed, single-shaft shredder is specifically designed to process materials such as light construction and demolition waste, wood waste with contaminants, and municipal solid waste. The LS3600TX shredder has a powerful 456-hp (340 kW) CAT Tier 4 Final/Stage V engine and operates at a sound level of 111.9 db(A). The shredder features a tracked undercarriage and comes with a full-function remote control, allowing operators to adjust the feed, access machine data, and diagnose fault codes from the comfort of the feed loader’s cab or at a safe distance from the shredder.

Terex Recycling Systems TROMMEL SCREEN

Terex Recycling Systems’ TTS-620SE static electric trommel screen, primarily designed for screening compost and organics, is a compact, self-contained solution for waste processing. By opting for electric over traditional diesel power, the TTS-620SE significantly reduces operating costs. The unit is offered with both basic and intelligent feed options to cater to various user requirements and material streams, while also featuring easy customization and adaptation by allowing the trommel screen to be used independently as a standalone unit or integrated into a new or pre-existing recycling plant. Large access doors and a retractable feeder cassette enable quick and efficient drum changes.

Trommel screen

Shredder

Rotochopper SHREDDER

Rotochopper’s Sarlac shear point shredding solution offers proficiency in downsizing materials for a range of applications including construction and demolition, cardboard, and pallet wood waste, presenting an opportunity for increased revenue generation. The shredder also enhances workplace safety and comfort with a low noise level and reduced airborne dust making it ideal for a variety of work environments. By occupying minimal space while delivering maximum performance, the Sarlac shredder adds versatility to recycling operations.

Bandit Industries

HORIZONTAL GRINDER

Bandit Industries’ HM6420 hammermill horizontal grinder is a 40-inch-capacity grinder designed and manufactured to be an alternative solution for applications that may contain contaminants. At the heart of the HM6420 is a 50- x 66-inch hammermill which features a 1.75-inch drum skin custom formed from rolled plate. The mill is supported by a 7-inch main shaft constructed of alloy steel that has been ultrasonic tested. The mill is also equipped with 20 carbide-infused hammer inserts built to withstand tough materials. Each holder is securely attached to the mill via a quick change pocket system.

Horizontal grinder

Shredder

SESSIONS PROVIDE STRATEGIES & SOLUTIONS

With more than 365 exhibitors on the largest exhibit floor of any recycling event, the 2024 edition of the ISRI Convention and Exhibition taking place in Las Vegas, NV, April 15–18 offers countless equipment demonstrations to see, innovative technologies to experience, and knowledgeable professionals to connect with. Opening night will feature a first-time convention attendee welcome and exhibit hall opening reception, and the show will close out with a party at TAO Beach Club. Attendees can also look forward to focused networking events, such as the Women in Recycling and the Young Executives receptions.

“I believe over the last several years, we have really refined what we deliver to attendees to ensure that they get the networking opportunities they value, the educational sessions that grow their business, and the thought leadership from keynote speakers that inspires them,” says ISRI President Robin Wiener. “We have dialed in on this formula by truly listening to what our

FISHING IN OTHER PONDS: CREATIVE WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS

Tuesday, April 16, 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

attendees value and then surpassing what they could even imagine in terms of an experience.”

In between networking, attendees can look forward to more than 30 sessions from over 120 speakers covering topics like government relations, commodity markets, and everything in between. According to Wiener, the sessions are targeted so that any member of a company can find insights that are relevant to their position.

The sessions are divided into seven education tracks: Advocacy & Public Relations; Environmental Health & Safety; EVs & Batteries; Executive Management & Leadership; Markets & Trade; Operations; and Sustainability. Each track hones in on a key area of business for recyclers, such as Environmental Health & Safety which discusses protecting the health of MRF employees and surrounding communities, or Operations which covers business planning, legal issues, securing credit, and more. Here are eight sessions that you won’t want to miss. 1 2

Finding and keeping the right employees is always a challenge. This session will feature ISRI members who have successfully used innovative hiring techniques and partnerships to fill their workforce needs. Speakers will share stories and tips for training employees from the ground up using apprenticeship systems, hiring individuals with disabilities, programs to widen candidate pools to more diverse populations, and giving people leaving the criminal justice system a second chance. Attendees will walk away with practical examples and resources to help their HR departments and managers build creative new partnerships to find great people.

Speakers: Kari Bliss, Principal Sustainability, PADNOS; Carol DeBellis SCP, SPHR, GPHR,

SVP Human Resources, ERI; Mark Hodgson, Regional General Manager, SA Recycling; Stef Murray, Chief DEI Officer & VP of HR, Radius Recycling, Kathleen Parks, Senior Director, Opportunity Enterprises, Inc.

CHARTING THE UNKNOWN: UNRAVELING PFAS, REGULATIONS & INDUSTRY CONCERNS

Tuesday, April 16, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.

Everlasting and pervasive, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have garnered increasing attention from policymakers and regulators across the nation. This session seeks to educate the recycling industry about these widespread chemicals, their multi-layered legislative and regulatory patchwork, and the specific challenges they pose to the industry.

3 4 5

FROM VISIONARIES TO LEADERS: BREAKING BARRIERS IN THE RECYCLED MATERIALS INDUSTRY

Tuesday, April 16, 3:45 – 5:00 p.m.

In recent years, the essential role of women in the recycled materials industry has gained increased visibility, leading to more opportunities for female leaders. This shift increases diversity and creates equal opportunities, both of which are vital to the future growth and success of the industry. This session highlights and celebrates the success of women in recycling who have broken barriers as leaders and visionaries and discusses how we can maintain momentum for future generations.

MARKETING OVER BRANDING: HOW FOCUSING ON MARKETING ACTUALLY BUILDS BRAND

Wednesday, April 17, 8:45 – 10:00 a.m.

In the ever-evolving world of recycled materials, distinguishing between branding and marketing is paramount. This session is designed to illuminate how a strategic marketing approach can organically cultivate a robust and enduring brand within the recycled materials sector. Through practical strategies, real-world examples, and industry insights, this session will equip attendees with the tools to leverage marketing’s power, enhancing their brand presence, and driving business success.

Speakers: Jennifer Betts, CEO, Recycled Media; Brett Ekart, CEO, United Metals Recycling; Stuart Kagan, Co-Founder, Buddy.

SPARKING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES: EMPOWERING TOMORROW’S ECOCHAMPIONS

Thursday, April 17, 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

This session aims to empower the eco-champions of tomorrow through a dynamic blend of technology-driven education and local outreach. This session will explore innovative approaches to engage children and young minds in sustainable practices. Harnessing the power of technology, it will showcase interactive tools, educational apps, and virtual experiences designed to captivate young audiences and instill a passion for environmental stewardship.

6 7 8

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN THE RECYCLED MATERIALS INDUSTRY

Wednesday, April 17, 2:15 – 3:15 p.m.

Having a platform that aligns with current times in the recycled materials industry is a game changer – but that’s just the beginning. In the near future, cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) innovations will help you work smarter, faster, and more profitably than ever before. Learn how businesses are adopting new technologies like large language models, computer vision, and more to improve productivity, cut costs, and improve worker safety. Panelists will share case studies on how their work in AI has transformed analogous industries, like manufacturing and logistics, and lessons learned along the way.

Speakers: Josh Singer, Eigen Consulting; Dennis Xu, Co-Founder, Mem Labs.

THE FORMULA FOR SOCIAL MEDIA SUCCESS

Thursday, April 18, 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.

Social media marketing can be intimidating to small businesses because it has a lot of moving parts. This comprehensive social media workshop will help you learn how to prioritize things and give you a clear formula to be successful on social media. Build your content strategy, discover must-have social media tools, and leverage social media marketing to start engaging with your customers and increase your sales.

Speaker: Stephen Donnelly, Stephen Donnelly and Associates.

ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES IN BATTERY HANDLING

Thursday, April 18, 2:00 – 3:15 pm

Safe handling of batteries entering the recycling stream is of utmost importance, and following industry-wide best practices is essential. This session will focus on current and updated best practices and regulatory requirements, as well as some of the challenges of acquiring insurance and maintaining safety in the electronics recycling sector.

Q & A ROBIN WIENER REFLECTS ON MORE THAN A DECADE OF ISRI CONVENTIONS

With a strong commitment to sustainability and recycling, ISRI President Robin Wiener has been at the helm of the institute for over a decade, steering ISRI through a period of significant evolution within the industry. I caught up with Wiener to discuss the industry’s dynamic growth throughout the years, as well as her vision and expectations for the upcoming convention which is poised to be another milestone in the industry.

BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR

Slone Fox

Robin Wiener

How would you categorize the current state of the recycling industry?

The recycled materials industry is strong and is an important part of the solution to a more resilient planet and a sustainable economy. Over the long term, I see a greater understanding on the part of the general public and policymakers about the importance of recycling. This vision is especially true in the framework of what is needed for a resilient planet going forward.

Decarbonization and the goal of net zero by 2050 means that we’re going to need more copper, steel, lithium, and other metals and minerals to create the electric vehicles, batteries, and related infrastructure of the future. From an environmental and economic perspective, recycling delivers those materials efficiently, while decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling is a necessary and beneficial part of the solution.

How has the overarching focus of the ISRI convention evolved over the years? What factors have influenced these shifts in emphasis?

The ISRI Convention is truly a unique and wonderful event – so much so that each has a distinct name and brand identity, this year being ISRI2024. I believe over the last several years, we have really refined what we deliver to attendees to ensure that they get the networking opportunities they value, the educational sessions that grow their business, and the thought leadership from keynote speakers that inspires them. We have dialed in on this formula by truly listening to what our attendees value and then surpassing what they could even imagine in terms of an experience. I am excited for ISRI2024 because it is set to surpass expectations once again.

What are some ways the ISRI convention contributes to the overall advancement of the recycling industry?

I always look forward to attending ISRI’s annual convention so that I can walk through the trade show floor and see the latest in new technologies, processes, and equipment for the industry. The ISRI Convention features the largest exhibit floor of any recycling event, with more than 365 exhibitors this year, showcasing the next generation in recycling technologies and solutions. We also have seven educational tracks that cover every aspect of the recycled materials industry. The sessions are targeted so that any member of a company will find insights from thought leaders that are relevant to their position and area of expertise.

On a personal level, what do you look forward to most at these shows?

Reconnecting with longtime members – and meeting our ever-growing list of new members – is one of my favourite things all year. I have been attending our convention for over a decade, and many of our members have similarly long histories that can reach back generations. To know that we are not only still engaging these longtime members, but also growing the audience and consistently breaking attendance records, speaks to how dynamic our program has become. There’s a buzz during the opening session, excitement on the show floor, and a wonderful feeling of camaraderie throughout the entire event. I cannot wait to see everyone this April 16 – 18 in Las Vegas, and invite everyone to join us for the most impactful recycling event in the world! RPN

DJ VANDEUSEN PRESIDENT, HARRIS EQUIPMENT

I’ve been attending the annual ISRI conference for 10 years now – first with WestRock, and then for the past three years in my role with Harris – so that still makes me sort of a newbie for this event. Harris itself has been part of ISRI since its inception in 1987 and we’re proud to be a supporter and attendee for nearly 40 years.

What always strikes me is the collaborative energy the ISRI Convention stimulates around recycling advocacy and innovation. Look, most of us are here to sell our equipment and services, meet old friends, and make some new ones with the entire industry being here. But there’s a clear sense of collective responsibility to ensure that sustainability stays on the front page of public policy and private industry, not just because it’s good for business, but because there’s an obligation to protect the resources of this planet in a responsible way.

They say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas – but for this conference, what happens here most definitely doesn’t. It shapes the future of our industry and ensures that all leaders understand the importance of what the industry provides. That alone differentiates this event from almost everything that goes on in this convention hall for the rest of the year. It’s a crazy collection of characters that come together every year for sure, and I can’t wait to see what memories are created that we’ll talk about for years to come. Viva Las Vegas!”

A WIN-WIN FOR U.S. STEELMAKING

HOW THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT PROVIDES A COMPETITIVE EDGE FOR U.S. STEELMAKERS

BY MAYURI PHADNIS

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and the CHIPS and Science Act, has helped steelmakers ramp up their investments for sustainable steelmaking capacities, says Philip K. Bell, president of the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA).

The impact of the IRA – which allocates $370 billion in tax incentives to promote clean energy – is being felt within a year of the Biden administration enacting it as U.S. infrastructure transitions to higher consumption of green steel.

In fact, according to a Goldman Sachs Asset Management, 280 clean energy projects have been announced across 44 U.S. states in the IRA’s first year with an investment of $282 billion.

Moreover, the American Iron and Steel Institute estimates a requirement of 50,000 net tonnes (45,359 metric tonnes) of steel for every $1 billion in infrastructure spending.

Steelmaker Nucor approved funding in February for a new rebar micro mill in the Pacific Northwest. The plant that will be built with an investment of $860 million will produce around 650,000 metric tonnes of rebar annually, and will be Nucor’s largest rebar micro mill with 50 percent more capacity than its North Carolina mill that is currently under construction.

In January, the company broke ground on its $3.1 billion steel sheet mill in Apple Grove, West Virginia. The mill is expected to produce around 3 million net tonnes of recycled steel sheet per year once it commences operations in the first quarter of 2026.

The company is betting on the continued strength of the rebar market given the increase in U.S. infrastructure investments due to legislation like the IRA as the product is used in the construction of roads, buildings, and other types of infrastructure.

“For steelmakers using recycled steel in production, who represent over 70 percent of American steel capacity, the significant investment in green manufacturing represents an endorsement of their decades-long investment in low-emissions steelmaking. To build renewable energy infrastructure and promote a circular economy approach to manufacturing, it makes sense to use the cleanest steel available anywhere,” says Bell.

DECARBONIZING STEEL

In November 2023, Nucor announced net-zero science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) targets for 2050 and established a new interim target for 2030. These include scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions from the production of hot rolled steel as defined by the Global Steel Climate Council (GSCC). These new targets are more ambitious than Nucor’s 2021 goal of a 35 percent reduction in steel mill scope 1 and scope 2 GHG intensity by 2030, using 2015 as a baseline.

The steelmaker already uses around 80 percent recycled steel in its production process, with its GHG emissions at one-third intensity compared to the average traditional extractive steelmaking process using a blast furnace.

Nucor will achieve its goals by increasing clean electricity usage, carbon capture and sequestration, and near-zero GHG ironmaking. It will also utilize technologies to reduce the consumption of injection and charge carbon while lowering the use of natural gas in its production processes.

Like Nucor, U.S. Steel also has a net-zero road map for 2050. To achieve these goals, the steelmaker will further incorpo-

The IRA is giving a boost to manufacturing by including strong domestic procurement preferences.

rate and utilize electric arc furnace-based (EAFs) mini-mill steelmaking technology. The company’s Big River 2 mini mill will be commissioned in the second half of 2024 after its board approved a further capital investment to take the total to $3.2 billion. The mill, which will be based in Osceola, Arkansas, will produce 3 million metric tonnes of steel annually.

Based on the number of mini mills deployed, the decrease in emissions could be 10 to 60 percent against the 2018 target. It also plans to adopt direct reduced iron/hot briquetted iron (DRI/HBI) technology with natural gas as the reductant for converting iron ore to fuel the growing numbers of EAFs. Eventually, the steelmaker seeks to use hydrogen to substitute natural gas in the production of DRI/HBI.

Meanwhile, Cleveland-Cliffs has invested in electrical steel capacities previously unavailable in the U.S. It is also investing in Ohio and Indiana to make hydrogen viable for steelmaking. Cliffs’ Toledo, Ohio, facility – which opened in late 2020 – was designed hydrogen-ready. The company performed trials using hydrogen in early May 2023 at the blast furnace in Middletown for half a day with success, paving the way for commercial-level production using this input.

Cliffs also completed a blast furnace hydrogen injection trial at its Indiana Harbor blast furnace in January after commissioning the hydrogen pipeline at Indiana Harbor. This pipeline fed the input to the blast furnace during the trial.

Irving-based Commercial Metals Company (CMC) commissioned its second Danieli Mida micro mill in Arizona in June 2023 with a 500,000 metric tonnes per year production capacity. Barbara R Smith, then the chairman and chief executive officer of CMC, noted that the mill is starting operations at the right time, considering opportunities from the Infrastructure Invest-

The IRA money supports investment in virtually every link of the steel supply chain, including direct-reduced iron, hydrogen hubs, carbon capture, and nuclear energy to power steel plants. These types of projects make American steel not only more competitive, but also cleaner.

Philip K. Bell President, Steel Manufacturers Association

ment and Jobs Act, the IRA, and the reshoring of demand from the construction sector.

The company is also constructing its fourth micro mill in West Virginia, which will produce 500,000 net tonnes of steel products annually. This will include 350,000 net tonnes of rebar and 150,000 net tonnes of small merchant items. CMC is investing around $450 million after tax breaks for this mill, which will supply steel to key markets like the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, along with the Midwest.

METALS

A COMPETITIVE EDGE

One of the ways the IRA is giving a boost to manufacturing in the country is by including strong domestic procurement preferences that prioritize using the lowest emission goods for projects that are eligible for incentives under the law, according to Bell.

“For American steelmakers, that represents a pledge to favour domestically produced steel over imported steel, which often is made in non-market economies using high-emissions processes,” says Bell.

Bell also states that the law is helping to modernize, decarbonize, and electrify the American steel industry. “The IRA money supports investment in virtually every link of the steel supply chain, including direct-reduced iron, hydrogen hubs, carbon capture, and nuclear energy to power steel plants. These types of projects make American steel not only more competitive, but also cleaner,” says Bell.

Combined with the domestic procurement preferences of the law, those investments in sustainable steelmaking processes put American steel in a stronger position relative to imported steel while also reducing carbon emissions.

A report by management consulting firm Boston Consulting Group (BCG) states that IRA subsidies will give the U.S. an advantage in green steel exports, putting other potential exporters at a disadvantage. The cost of green steel production from green-powered EAF with 90 percent recycled steel and 10 percent merchant DRI would be $385 per metric tonne in the U.S. by 2030 versus $390 per metric tonne in Germany. Hydrogen DRI + green-powered EAF with 80 percent hot metal and 20 percent recycled steel

would cost $560 per metric tonne in the U.S. with the help of tax credits compared to $640 per metric tonne in Germany.

The German Steel Association Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl (WV Stahl) has noted that international competitive conditions arising from the IRA would be challenging for Europe as an industrial location. It adds that these will be intensified by the protectionist orientation of the IRA in parts.

Against this backdrop, WV Stahl calls for competitive energy prices, as that has already affected the competitiveness of the German industry in the global market. It has also urged for the acceleration of hydrogen-based steelmaking, which if delayed, could shift investment projects from the EU to the U.S.

A PUSH FOR GREEN STEEL

Besides providing a competitive edge in the global market, Bell highlights the Act’s role in driving new demand.

“First, it creates incentives for renewable energy and the electrification of the economy. That means additional demand for steel for wind turbines, electric grid components, hydrogen storage and transport, solar equipment, and other energy infrastructure. Second, it is fuelling a boom in conventional construction, including manufacturing facilities, data centres, and the roads and infrastructure that make our economy more competitive,” says Bell.

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Q & A JOHN SACCO IS CHANGING THE NARRATIVE AROUND METAL RECYCLING

The metal recycling industry grapples with persistent misconceptions – most commonly, that scrap metal is junk. Recyclers’ crucial role as raw material manufacturers is rarely recognized. At the heart of the issue lies the misunderstanding that recycled materials, particularly scrap metal, lack worth, when in reality they’re precious commodities and the building blocks for critical elements of our daily lives.

John Sacco, president and owner of Sierra International Machinery, is a vocal advocate for reframing this narrative and fostering a more accurate understanding of the role played by the metal recycling industry. I recently caught up with Sacco to discuss key topics like regulatory challenges, the upcoming ISRI2024 Convention, and how the second season of Sierra’s Repurposed docuseries is reshaping public perceptions of the benefit of the metals recycling sector.

BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR

Slone Fox

SF JS

What initially drew you to the recycling industry?

I was working in our family business where we had divisions of recycling and agri-packaging. When my father sold off the agri-packaging division, he wanted me to join in on the recycling side, but my start became more involved with selling shears and balers into the recycled materials market.

How did the idea for the Repurposed docuseries come about?

The idea came about from years of talking about content creation that focuses on the frustration surrounding the image and misconceptions of our industry – that we’re “junk” and “waste” when we’re actually a raw material manufacturer for the mills. You look around and you say to yourself, “I wish somebody would do something about this,” and then you realize that you are somebody.

What impact do you hope Repurposed will have, and what impact have you already noticed?

The impact that I’m hoping for is changing the narrative of how we’re seen in the community. It’s my hope that we are seen as an essential industry because, without us, nothing gets made in America. You can’t have our infrastructures, our automotives, our highways, our military, our hospitals, our schools, our harvesting equipment for farms, food plants, or the electrical grid. Without the recycled materials industry, we don’t have those luxuries that we’re so used to in our daily lives.

People outside our industry are finally beginning to understand what our industry is about. I’ve had lawmakers in Washington, D.C., tell me that they didn’t realize how responsible our industry is for building the products we use on an everyday basis. People are beginning to see that this industry is truly essential in that we are not waste and not junk. They’re seeing that all these things that are being made from our raw materials can’t possibly come from junk or waste.

Can you discuss a particular episode from Repurposed that resonated strongly with your audience?

There are a couple of episodes I would say had a major impact. Definitely episode three from season one. The cinematography of steelmaking – showing it coming from recycled iron, going to the furnace, and then seeing the new steel come out –I think that really resonated with people to where they can understand what that material is actually turning into. For season two, I also think that episode three was a great one. Viewers were able to witness rebar going into the fabrication of buildings, highways, and stadiums. However, the series just as a whole, really drives home the image and the necessity of our industry.

What misconceptions about the industry influence your personal commitment to becoming a more vocal advocate for recycling and sustainability through podcasts, social media, etc?

Because so many people think what we do is “waste” or “junk” – something that has no value, the government wants to heavily regulate us because they don’t believe or understand what our industry is. That’s what’s most influenced me to change the narrative. Coming from a metal recycler and an equipment provider, we won’t be able to exist in the future if we don’t build a strong industry now. We need to stop the erroneous regulations against this industry. That, quite frankly, is an absolute necessity.

If you think about it, our food can’t be harvested and sent to a food manufacturing plant. Any of those structures that are processing food will have a foundation that has rebar, and rebar comes from recycled iron. Seventy-two percent of all new steel in America is made from recycled iron, and the high level of

Repurposed showcases the intricate processes behind metal recycling.

Collaborative solutions between recyclers and regulatory bodies are needed to address labour shortages.

copper content in the electrical grid turns the lights on. For example, you can’t have a hospital running without electricity. And the aluminum that goes into so much of the auto industry. . .without our industry, there isn’t enough virgin material that can be processed to be put into all these products that we use on an everyday basis.

In your experience, how does the public’s perception of metal recycling vary across different demographics?

Across demographics, the lack of knowledge is pretty consistent. What I think is most interesting is that the more affluent demographic has less of an understanding because so many people in the lower demographic actually make a living off of recycling paper and metals. But generally speaking, there’s just an overall lack of understanding of what our industry does.

Sierra’s content is created for the recycled materials industry to start with. But as for diverse audiences, we found that because of our creativity in the fact that we don’t follow too many rules, we garner a lot of audiences outside our industry as well. We just like to have fun and the market tells us immediately whether we’re putting stuff out there that’s good or not so good.

With the ISRI convention coming up – and as someone who’s a regular attendee – can you reflect on how this convention has evolved over the years?

The convention has evolved because technology has evolved in the way we can present ideas to an audience. ISRI has changed because there are more people producing products for the recycled materials industry, so there are a lot more things out there that we could use in our own facility, and because we’re a supplier of equipment to the industry, we have new innovative ideas we want to get out there and show the other recyclers that come to this convention what it’s about.

A REB-4 two-ram baler.

The labour shortage can make it difficult to find qualified people to work in the recycling industry.

Looking ahead, what do you think will be the most significant challenges and opportunities for the metals recycling industry?

One of the biggest challenges is labour. Although our industry provides tremendous opportunity and personal growth across the board, the labour market is very tight, and finding qualified people to come and work in our industry is difficult. The other challenge, in the end, is the lack of understanding of what our industry does and the erroneous regulations that come about that hinder our industry due to the cost it puts on us to stay in business. We need a more collaborative situation with regulatory agencies to work together to find solutions for products to be recycled, get them processed, and get them back into the hands of consumers. RPN

HOW WILL ELECTRIC VEHICLES IMPACT THE AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLING SECTOR?

THE FIRST NATIONAL EFFORT TO UNDERSTAND END-OF-LIFE ELECTRIC VEHICLES HAS IDENTIFIED A SERIES OF EXISTING GAPS

BY STEVE FLETCHER

In late 2022, the Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) published a road map for the impact of electric vehicles (EVs) on the auto recycling industry in Canada. The project had a small budget from Natural Resources Canada and was the first national effort to begin to understand end-of-life EVs. The 27page document, plus the 62-page appendices, identified a series of existing gaps: economics, safety, and information.

Like virtually everything in the rapidly emerging EV field, the report was dated as soon as we pressed send, but it continues to be a road map for auto recyclers, regulators, researchers, and stakeholders to use as a comprehensive review of how EVs will impact the auto recycling sector.

The report starts with a broad definition of auto recycling. There are essentially two types of businesses involved in processing end-of-life vehicles (ELVs): those that focus on parts recovery with materials recovery as secondary, and those that focus almost exclusively on materials recovery. Let’s call them dismantlers and scrap processors, respectively.

To make things a bit messier, there are overlaps between those types of businesses – along with customer-buyer relationships – that can change depending on the age of the vehicle in question. A dismantler will surgically dismantle a late-model, total-loss vehicle from an insurance company for its parts, while they may just remove the basic battery, tires, and catalytic converter on an old junker.

The reason this segmentation is important for EVs is that

Platinum-group metals that are abundant in hybrid vehicles are virtually absent from fully electric vehicles as there are no tailpipe emissions for the catalytic converter to clean up.

There’s increasing pressure for manufacturers to minimize the weight of the battery to increase the range of EVs.

the dismantler sector generally has the time and resources to remove items from a vehicle, and when it comes to the battery in an EV, that part needs to be very carefully removed.

Let’s look at each of the gaps identified in the road map in more detail.

ECONOMIC GAPS

The drivetrain from an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle is the number one selling part for virtually all auto recyclers. An EV’s drivetrain is significantly different compared to an ICE vehicle – it is smaller and lighter, with dramatically fewer moving parts. Fewer moving parts means fewer breakdowns – good for the consumer, but not good for the auto recycler who needs to sell parts to begin to cover the cost of acquiring, moving, and processing the vehicle.

At this point, we are not getting a lot of part requests for engines and transmissions for EVs. The rest of the vehicle –outside of the battery – is a pretty typical vehicle with plenty of body panels, mirrors, lights, and wheels to reuse.

The most common point of discussion around the end-oflife handling of EVs is the battery. But for an auto recycler, an EV has an entire vehicle wrapped around the battery, and we rarely talk about the battery separate from the vehicle. An end-of-life vehicle does not necessarily have an end-of-life battery. In fact, manufacturers are now building batteries that will outlive the vehicle itself.

The EV battery is still a giant unknown as to whether it has a positive or negative value. That’s changing quickly as battery recyclers get more operational and are looking for products to recycle. The battery reuse market (i.e., going back into a vehicle) shows promise, but we are too early in the life cycle of EVs to know how that will play out. The battery repurposing (i.e., use in situations other than motive power and therefore usual-

The most common point of discussion around the end-of-life handling of EVs is the battery. But for an auto recycler, an EV has an entire vehicle wrapped around the battery, and we rarely talk about the battery separate from the vehicle. An end-of-life vehicle does not necessarily have an end-of-life battery.

ly secondary energy storage) marketplace is quickly evolving. A white paper by the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) and Rejoule Energy titled Why Battery Testing is Critical for the Transition to Electric Vehicles is a significant resource that will help auto recyclers understand the state of health of an EV battery, which will in turn help to determine the best path for its management.

The ARA, along with Argonne Labs in the U.S., has produced another great resource – a battery material use hierarchy. This hierarchy shows the value proposition of EV batteries and how their value retention and recovery should be approached.

Most auto recyclers fall into one of two categories: dismantlers or scrap processors.

EVs have a different material profile than ICE vehicles. They are generally heavier, but much of that weight is the battery itself. That battery requires some substantial structure to the vehicle to keep the battery safe while in operation. Automakers are pressured to lightweight vehicles to meet fuel economy standards – or in the case of EVs, to minimize the weight of the battery to increase the vehicle’s range. Making the vehicle lighter, but still safe, often uses more non-ferrous materials, like aluminum, which is very beneficial with yields coming from the shredder.

EVs do contain some very valuable rare earth magnets, and Canadian company Cyclic Materials is leading the effort to recover these critical and precious metals. This is more value to recover if and when we can collectively figure out where they are and how to safely remove them.

KEEPING SAFE

On the safety side of EVs, there are two key issues: the imminent safety of the employee de-energizing and removing the battery from the EV, and the fire risk associated with lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).

For employee safety, there is a generally good understanding of the risks of working with LIBs. They have enough energy in them to kill. In a study we undertook with our members, one-third of them have chosen not to buy and process EVs, with the main reason being the uncertainty of the safety of their employees. That is changing and improving as better information gets out, but there is still a lot of work to be done. Training to minimize the risks is coming, but there is little consistency in

this training and not great availability for working dismantlers and recyclers.

The risk of fires involving EVs is real. But per mile driven, ICE vehicles have a much, much higher probability of a fire. The problem that does exist, though, is that once on fire, an EV is generally catastrophic in nature. Fire departments, first responders, and even tow companies are all grappling with how to deal with these dangerous fires.

The battery is not the only part of an EV that holds value.

Lithium-ion battery fires at waste facilities and shredders are also a significant concern, but as of yet, we are not aware of any fires related to LIBs from EVs at an auto recycler, dismantler, shredder, or waste facility. The LIB fires that do occur are thought to be caused by small rechargeable batteries, or small motive batteries from scooters and e-bikes, not EVs.

In our discussions with auto shredders, they are just beginning to update their supply policies to require the removal of all batteries from processed hulks before they arrive on-site. That is an easy win to ensure the supply chain is involved and proactive. Monitoring and enforcement are required, though, as no one wants an EV LIB to go through a shredder.

KNOWLEDGE IS KEY

The economic and safety issues discussed above all have a common problem for the proper management of end-of-life EVs: information.

Knowing the chemistry of a battery is important. Knowing the state of health of a battery is important – kilometres driven can be a weak indicator of the real health of a battery. Knowing where and how to de-energize an EV is critical. Knowing how to store, ship, and document the battery is important, but virtually unknown in our sector. One great tool that has emerged is EV Rescue, a free app for your mobile phone that provides current information directly relevant to first responders and auto dismantlers.

The drivetrain from an internal combustion engine vehicle is the number one selling part for auto recyclers.

A CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

Electric vehicles are here to stay. There are enough on the road now that they will be significant at end of life, and all the growth curves are bending upward. But we are not at scale yet, both in terms of the number of EVs reaching end of life, but also with the information, systems, processing capacity, and market development for parts and materials, which are the basic economics of ELV processing that make the automobile one of the most circular products in the economy.

There are people outside the industry seeking to place EV batteries under an Extended Producer Responsibility framework, but the auto manufacturers that design and build them should be responsible for them at end of life. ARC opposes this mindset. EPR can be an effective policy tool when applied to waste, but EV batteries are not waste. Intervening in a rapidly developing marketplace is not only disruptive, it will inhibit innovation and the commercial development of functioning markets. That’s what a successful circular economy in EVs and their batteries will look like.

We are on the road to EVs becoming commonplace. There have been, and there will continue to be, many bumps along the way. However, the challenges and opportunities that exist at the end of life of a vehicle are not insurmountable, and there have been plenty of advancements. Optimism mixed with realism permeates the auto recycling world.

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Brawler HPS

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Brawler HPS Solidflex Traction

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STEVE FLETCHER is the managing director of the Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) association.

An end-of-life vehicle does not mean the battery is end-of-life.

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2

built for longevity, with 50-year-old machines still in operation today. This durability can be attributed to the extended lifespan of wear components, as well as a configuration that makes maintenance a much smaller chunk of production downtime. Harris shredders feature a quick-release design that allows for the removal of the roller without completely disassembling components, as well as an oversized reject door for the quick removal of unshreddables. The Harris Production Management system provides real-time access to production rates, energy usage, and critical operational feedback from the comfort of the operator’s chair and can be retrofitted to existing systems.

LINDEMANN ZZ SERIES 3 4

WEIMA WMS 60

3 metal waste into clean, dense, and small pieces of shredded scrap. They can process both ferrous and non-ferrous materials such as household appliances, sorted light scrap, and entire end-of-life vehicles. Often used in scrapyards and metal recycling applications, the ZZ Series shredders offer high throughput capacities and low energy requirements with an optional shredder drive assistant that supports the feed process and optimizes throughput performance.

4

The WMS 60 shredder from WEIMA is optimized for shredding stringy metal chips and bird nests. A key feature is its sloped hopper bed design, which prevents material from bridging and allows cutting fluids to be discharged along with the shredded material. The WMS 60 has a 600-mm rotor diameter with 42 rotatable and replaceable knives and a rotor speed between 60 to 80 rpm, depending on the material being shredded. The hopper opening is 600 mm by 1,400 mm. Other key features include the WEIMA WAP electromechanical gearbox with torque-monitoring and shock-absorbing vibration dampers, as well as rubber vibration-damping feet.

VOLVO CE GRID-CONNECTED

ELECTRIC MATERIAL HANDLER FOR THE EUROPEAN MARKET

A CABLE CONNECTION IS IDEAL FOR STATIC APPLICATIONS THAT REQUIRE REPETITIVE TASKS

Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced the grid-connected EW240 Electric material handler – currently available exclusively in Europe – opening up a range of new business opportunities for recyclers. With zero exhaust emissions and nearly silent operation, it excels in noise-sensitive areas, low carbon zones, and indoor sites within waste and recycling applications.

Grid-connected machines like the EW240 Electric material handler are ideal for use in static applications that are required to carry out repetitive

tasks, giving operators the same performance and control as conventional machines without having to stop work to refuel or recharge. Because of its cable connection, the machine is capable of around-the-clock productivity.

Switching to an electric machine can reduce energy-related costs thanks to the more cost-effective nature of electricity as a power source when compared to fuel. The electric motor is around 99 percent efficient, and no energy is used when the machine is not moving and working, saving on energy consumption and wear.

The EW240 Electric material handler can also go longer between services, which means lower maintenance costs compared to a diesel alternative. With no engine-related consumables such as engine oil, filters, and water separators, it also reduces downtime and expenses. When maintenance is required, it can be completed quickly with ground-level access to the pump and cooling module. The electric control cabinet is positioned on the side of the upper frame, just one step away.

The EW240 Electric features a 110kW electric motor that can connect to the

The EW240 Electric offers zero exhaust emissions and nearly silent operation.

grid (AC 400V) with a well-protected power cable that comes from the ground and connects to the machine under the superstructure, providing a safe, durable, and convenient power connection. The machine also features a 360-degree turning/swinging joint.

The EW240 Electric’s cab contains a user-friendly dashboard and monitor, while the optimized hydraulics system and joysticks make for smooth control. The operator experience is further enhanced with a heated, suspended seat, and enhanced visibility due to the flat right-hand side. A rear and side-view camera and LED lights make operating the electric machine easier, and the electric climate compressor makes it even more comfortable.

From waste handling to scrap sorting, productivity is maximized with a range of durable grapples that can be configured to match the unique demands of each segment. Other options include a FOPS-cab, one-piece window, different cable connections, height limitation, and a double-damped hydraulic elevated cab.

SHAPE A GREENER FUTURE AT WASTE & RECYCLING EXPO

Conference: November 5 – 6, 2024

Exhibition: November 6 – 7, 2024

THE TOP 5 BLUE BIN RECYCLING TRENDS FOR 2024

THE PAPER AND PACKAGING BOARD’S NEW REPORT SHOWS A CULTURAL SHIFT TOWARD CHOOSING AND RECYCLING PAPER PRODUCTS

According to a recent list of the top paper recycling trends pulled together by the Paper and Packaging Board (P+PB), new trends in paper recycling show that consumers are more effectively placing their paper into the blue recycling bins.

While local guidelines and recycling rules vary by community, P+PB says that the trends are part of a culture shift, resulting in more Americans choosing and recycling paper products.

TOP BLUE BIN RECYCLING TRENDS

1. Paper cups While not yet widely available for recycling, the good news is that more and more recycling operators are accepting these, and P+PB anticipates an even higher level of acceptance in the years to come.

2. Pizza boxes Recycling these boxes is gaining traction with consumers – a trend P+PB expects to continue as word gets out that pizza boxes can be recycled in most places. Football fans eat nearly 13 million pizzas during the Superbowl alone, so understanding how to recycle them is key. According to a P+PB study released last year, Washington, D.C.; Alaska; Connecticut; Delaware; Maine; Nebraska; New Hampshire; New York; Rhode Island; South Carolina; and Vermont residents recycle at least 90 percent of their pizza boxes.

3. Cartons These are increasingly being accepted by local recycling facilities and more consumers are learning about their recyclability.

4. Paper-padded mailers P+PB expects the use of paper-padded mailers made completely from paper that can be recycled to increase as more companies aim to reduce their plastic use. Some paper mailers may still be padded with bubble wrap. For these, pull the paper layer from the bubble wrap lining before recycling and then check to see if there are local options to recycle the bubble wrap. Stamps, tape, and labels do not need to be removed.

Changing habits takes time, but we have seen tremendous progress and expect even more this year through industry innovations and an increasingly informed public.

Mary Anne

Hansan

President, Paper and Packaging Board

5. Consumer adoption In addition to more jurisdictions and recycling facilities accepting additional types of paper products, recycling is increasingly part of Americans’ lives as they cement their recycling habits. The paper and packaging industry is investing nearly $7 billion through 2025 in innovations that will do more so that consumers know that the paper products they buy remain part of the circular economy. Regeneration starts with paper and packaging products reaching the blue bin.

“Recycling a resource that is renewable and reuseable makes sense for our planet,” Mary Anne Hansan, president of P+PB, says. “Currently, 68 percent of recyclable paper materials are recycled. Changing habits takes time, but we have seen tremendous progress and expect even more this year through industry innovations and an increasingly informed public.”

New trends in paper recycling show that consumers are more effectively placing their paper into blue bins.

Canada Plastics Pact report shows momentum toward a circular economy

THE ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTS AN OVERVIEW OF DATA FROM

90 CPP PARTNERS DURING ITS SECOND YEAR

The Canada Plastics Pact (CPP), a concerted effort by businesses and organizations that aim to keep plastics in the economy, has published its annual report for 2022. The report highlights challenges in achieving CPP targets, while also showcasing areas of strength and opportunities for CPP partners to work collectively and to address plastic waste and pollution.

Based on the most current and reliable data available, in 2022 it’s estimated that Canada generated 978,743 tonnes of plastic packaging. Of this amount, 20 percent of plastic packaging was recycled, up from 12 percent in 2019. Flexible packaging recycling rates increased from one percent in 2019 to four percent in 2022. Moreover, there has been a surge in PCR use among CPP signatories, marking a 32 percent increase in PCR compared to 2020.

In the years ahead, the CPP will double down on source reduction, design for recyclability, infrastructure investment, and the alignment of good policy with the data to validate progress and impact.

Cher Mereweather Managing Director, Canada Plastics Pact

As part of the CPP’s commitment to transparency, partners that join the pact have agreed to share annual data to measure progress toward the four targets outlined in the CPP’s Roadmap to 2025. Key metrics reported in the 2022 Annual Report include:

Target 1 Define a list of plastic packaging that is to be designated as unnecessary or problematic and take measures to eliminate them by 2025.

Progress 100 percent of CPP signatories have plans to reduce or eliminate eight problematic items.

Target 2 Support efforts toward 100 percent of plastic packaging being designed to be reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.

Progress 43 percent of plastic packaging placed on the market by CPP partners is designated as reusable, recyclable, or compostable.

Target 3 Undertake ambitious actions to ensure that at least 50 percent of plastic packaging is effectively recycled or composted by 2025.

Progress Based on the most current and reliable data available, it’s estimated that 20 percent of plastic packaging was recycled in Canada in 2022, with flexible packaging having a recycling rate as low as four percent.

Target 4 Ensure an average of at least 30 percent recycled content across all plastic packaging (by weight) by 2025.

Progress 12 percent was the average amount of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content (by weight) across plastic packaging used by CPP partners.

“Despite what may seem like slow progress, each small victory highlighted in the 2022 Annual Report is a stepping stone, building upon our foundational groundwork. The reality is that the plastic waste crisis isn’t a challenge the industry can solve within a few years – but the compound effect of our efforts suggests we are gaining momentum. Key stakeholders within the plastics value chain are actively engaged and working toward viable solutions,” says Cher Mereweather, managing director at the Canada Plastics Pact. “In the years ahead, the CPP will double down on source reduction, design for recyclability, infrastructure investment, and the alignment of good policy with the data to validate progress and impact.”

Notably, in 2022 a significant milestone was reached with the launch of the Canadianized Golden Design Rules for Plastics Packaging, which aims to drive innovation and scalable actions that will result in less plastics packaging overall and easier to recycle plastics packaging. More than half of CPP signatories adopted the GDRs with plans to ensure all their packaging is designed for sustainability.

In 2022 it’s estimated that Canada generated 978,743 tonnes of plastic packaging.

5 USES FOR DRONES IN RECYCLING & WASTE MANAGEMENT

FROM INVENTORY MANAGEMENT TO OCEAN CLEAN-UP, DRONES ARE INCREASING SUSTAINABILITY AND IMPROVING EFFICIENCY

BY SLONE FOX, EDITOR

When equipped with advanced sensors and imaging technologies, unmanned aerial systems – most commonly called drones – can provide crucial insights for waste and recycling facilities. While drones can aid in tasks such as site surveys and material volume estimation for recyclers, their role also extends beyond facility walls to help identify illegal dumpsites, map ocean waste, and more. This transformative technology not only streamlines processes within the recycling and waste management sectors, but also fosters cleaner environments and greener practices overall.

Other benefits of drones also include improved worker safety

and increased labour savings. By using drones in place of human workers, operating expenses can be significantly reduced, resulting in more cost-effective operations. Drones have the added advantage of being able to navigate and collect data from areas that are usually hazardous or out of reach to humans, eliminating the need for human workers to access these sites.

While still considered an emerging technology in some applications, embracing drones contributes significantly to the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of recycling operations. Read on to find out five ways that drones are gaining traction as a key piece of technology in recycling and waste management applications.

1SITE MAPPING

While drones play a part in all kinds of recycling applications, they’ve found a particularly important role in scrapyards. Drones can quickly survey large areas, utilizing remote sensing and advanced imaging technologies to identify metal types, quantities, and their precise locations. The aerial perspectives offered by drones are instrumental in mapping scrapyards, assisting in inventory management, optimizing layout planning, and enhancing overall productivity.

On the waste management front, landfills also see significant benefits from the utilization of drones as the high-resolution aerial images are valuable for mapping landfill sites and calculating landfill capacity. Equipped with advanced technology such as LiDAR, drones can create detailed 3D maps of facilities, providing insights into the layout, volume, and best utilization of space within the landfill.

MONITORING METHANE EMISSIONS

3 2 4

Since methane is both colourless and odourless to humans, drones are being equipped with thermal cameras and deployed at waste facilities to monitor methane emissions from a safe distance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency mandates that landfills address methane concentrations over 500 parts per million and has recently approved the first drone for methane emissions monitoring. The SnifferDRONE by Sniffer Robotics collects air samples through a nozzle, pumps them to an onboard detector, measures the methane concentration, and reports leak source locations – including GPS coordinates – with 90 percent accuracy.

There have also been increased drone initiatives in Canada, with the government recently providing the Comox Valley Regional District in British Columbia with $51,000 to use drones for methane monitoring. The goal of this effort is to assist landfill workers in assessing the effectiveness of the technology, determine the advantages and challenges in the adoption of drones, and offer practical examples of how they can be integrated into existing operations.

ILLEGAL DUMPING ENFORCEMENT

Already used in Dublin, Ireland, and multiple cities across the UK, more and law enforcement agencies are deploying drones equipped with cameras to surveil areas prone to illegal dumping. Drones bolster enforcement efforts by providing efficient evidence collection and thorough documentation of violations that are vital for investigations, while also acting as a general deterrent through their presence alone.

Beyond documentation, drones provide a cost-effective surveillance solution by covering expansive or hard-to-reach areas with minimal human labour requirements. Data gathered by drones also enables law enforcement to track dumping patterns and stay ahead of them.

FIRE PREVENTION

One of the most effective examples of this technology is in Australia, where a fire prevention program targeting high-risk recycling and waste facilities was launched in 2021. As part of this, drones equipped with thermal imaging technology conduct random flyovers during the summer months to check for hot spots and ensure waste piles are being properly managed. Between November 2022 and October 2023, the officers carried out 380 fire prevention inspections at waste and recovery facilities, fining five facilities and issuing 117 remedial notices and four official warnings.

OCEAN CLEAN-UP EFFORTS

With plastic pollution affecting oceans and shorelines worldwide, there’s a lot of ground to cover – too much to cover on foot. By combining the power of drones with artificial intelligence, organizations are leveraging these tools to combat waste and pollution in the environment. One of these initiatives, the Plastic Tide, is a volunteer-based project that uses drone imagery of coastlines to train its AI algorithm to identify and map plastic debris. To improve the algorithm’s accuracy, a steady stream of drone images is needed to help distinguish between plastic and other coastal life. This has resulted in a database of over 7,000 images which allows others to develop strategies for tackling these hot spots and tailor their

While still considered an emerging technology in some applications, embracing drones contributes significantly to the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of recycling operations.

clean-up processes accordingly. The organization hopes that one day the database can be used to guide autonomous recovery vehicles as well.

Another key player in drone-based water cleanup efforts is the WasteShark by RanMarine, an aquatic drone that captures garbage in waterways and brings it back to land. The drones can hold 160 litres of materials and are equipped to autonomously navigate through rivers, harbours, and canals, collecting floating debris and waste as they move. Integrated LiDAR technology enhances safety and avoids collisions.

This convergence of drones and advanced technology represents a powerful force in the ongoing battle against plastic pollution, allowing for collaboration between humans, drones, and AI for a more sustainable future.

BARRIERS TO ADOPTION

While a hugely beneficial tool, the adoption of drones in recycling and waste management operations faces several interconnected challenges. Regulatory compliance, such as airspace restrictions and privacy concerns, represents a significant hurdle, complicating widespread adoption. The initial costs associated with buying drones, sensors, and software are barriers as well, especially for smaller facilities with limited budgets.

Despite these challenges, the future of drones holds promise as advancements in technology, regulations, and overall public perception continue to evolve. Overcoming these barriers requires a coordinated effort between regulatory bodies, industry stakeholders, and technology developers to improve the overall chances of incorporating drones into recycling and waste management practices. RPN

Drones equipped with thermal cameras can monitor methane emissions from a safe distance.

EVENTS CALENDAR

CONNECT WITH THE INDUSTRY

OARA CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

TORONTO, ON | MARCH 21–23

The OARA Convention & Trade Show is one of Canada’s largest automotive recycling trade shows and conventions. This threeday trade show prides itself on having no concurrent seminars so that visitors won’t miss out on anything. Last year, over 400 attendees registered for the event, and the OARA hopes to increase that number in 2024.

www.oara.com/events/2024-oara-convention-trade-show

2024 REMADE CIRCULAR ECONOMY TECH SUMMIT & CONFERENCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. | APRIL 10 & 11

The 2024 REMADE Circular Economy Tech Summit & Conference is designed for those interested in accelerating the transition to a circular economy, with attendees including industry innovators, academic researchers, and renowned experts from around the world. The 2023 event attracted more than 300 attendees and featured nearly 60 presentations.

www.remadeinstitute.org/2024-conference

ISRI CONVENTION & EXPOSITION 2024

LAS VEGAS, NV | APRIL 15–18

Covering the scrap, glass, paper, metal, electronic, plastic, battery, and textile recycling industries, ISRI2024 visitors will have the opportunity to network and interact with professionals across the entire recycling value chain. The trade show will host 30 sessions, 120 speakers, and 325 exhibitors across four days, with over 6,600 recycling professionals attending last year.

www.isri2024.org

COMING SOON

SWANA SOAR 2024

PHOENIX, AZ | APRIL 15–18

www.swana.org/events/soar/soar-taps

IFAT BRASIL 2024

SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL | APRIL 24–26

www.ifat.de/en/brasil

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