Reverse shopping at the circular economy mall: The future of waste facilities
At a glance
A circular economy is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste and pollution. The framework illustrates our resources are finite; and turns our conventional linear pattern of production and consumption, “take-make-use-dispose,” into a regenerative, sustainable circular system. It focuses on upstream design to maximize product lifespan, waste avoidance and reduction, and recyclability; stopping waste before it is even created.
Overall, the concept is underpinned by a transition to renewable energy and materials. Ultimately, materials are designed in a way that can be reintegrated back into the design process using fewer raw resources and supporting a system that is resilient and good for business, people and the environment. This requires a collaborative effort by the government, manufacturers, and consumers to come together to form solutions for systematic change. But what can local government do to further prompt change, encourage action and facilitate the process?
EPR Programs: A fundamental step on the circular economy pathway
An element of the circular economy focuses on shifting the responsibility for end-of-life management of products physically and financially to the producer through product stewardship or Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs. This system encourages change at the design phase as manufacturers are incentivized to design products easier to recycle or refurbish with less waste. It also shifts the costs of recycling EPR materials away from governments or the consumer, to the producer.
Picture residents “reverse shopping,” going to kiosks to return waste products and knowing that it will be managed responsibly, contributing to pollution reduction and healthier environments and communities.
Municipalities in British Columbia are stepping up to help facilitate the collection of waste from consumer to producer for products under EPR legislation. This is done by working with Product Stewards to establish processes and designated areas at municipal recycling facilities whereby consumers can conveniently return end-of-life products to different EPR “kiosks,” and producers pick them up for recycling. Picture residents “reverse shopping,” going to kiosks to return waste products and knowing that it will be managed responsibly, contributing to pollution reduction and healthier environments and communities. This is one component of the vision for the future of waste management facilities and EPR programs shared by.
Planning and designing facilities that support zero waste
In British Columbia (BC), EPR is governed under the Environmental Management Act and in many of their regional districts, EPR materials are banned from landfill under legislation. Municipalities support Product Stewards in collecting and managing these materials in an accessible and convenient manner. Therefore, recycling and waste facilities are responsible for designated EPR collection in the planning and design of their waste management facilities and drop-off centers, now and in the future. In the long run, a well-managed EPR process reduces municipality costs as landfilled waste is minimized and programs are financially supported by the producers.
GHD helps improve solid waste management programs by developing strategies and frameworks to support local government and institutions in building a circular economy and achieving zero waste. One of the most important steps is looking at waste streams to analyze and characterize the type, quantity and quality of materials produced to understand how it is reduced and diverted. When it comes to designing recycling depots, it is important to evaluate best practices for efficient and safe design and layouts, ensuring they are flexible for future expansion and the inclusion of new materials.
In the emerging area of circular economy framework and EPR programs, certifications can help level-set expertise. For instance, TRUE Zero Waste Advisor certifications help clients measure, improve and recognize their zero waste performance and define, pursue and achieve zero waste goals, grow in the field of sustainability, improve compliance, reduce costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“As a TRUE Advisor, I am able to help clients understand their waste streams, identify gaps and opportunities and create a pathway to defining and achieving their zero waste goals and GHG emission reductions,” says Laura Hnatiuk, GHD Zero Waste Coordinator.
The TRUE program helps governments, industry and businesses understand how materials flow through their facilities and identify redesign opportunities so products are reused and recycled to the maximum extent. This planning can save money by reducing waste hauler fees and disposal costs and potentially earn revenue through resource recovery operations. In addition, program participants will benefit by demonstrating their commitment to maximizing their waste reduction efforts and increasing their competitive marketing edge.
The stage is set with British Columbia as a North American leader
British Columbia (BC) has been a leader in EPR programs since 1970, when it was the first province to implement a beverage program. Today, there are almost 20 EPR programs in BC, with more to come as other materials such as mattresses, furniture, marine gear, and household hazardous waste. Pressurized tanks and cylinders for fuels and gases are being evaluated for inclusion in future EPR programs.
Since BC is one of the leaders in EPR programs and zero-waste traction in North America, it is no surprise municipal waste management in BC is among the best in North America. Providing best practices for waste management planning and facility design.
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The future of EPR programs and municipal facilities
Other regions of North America are expanding EPR legislation. Ontario announced its commitment to expand programs and make producers financially responsible for recycling printed paper and packaging beginning in 2023.
In the US, EPR laws differ by state. States such as California and Maine have multiple laws identifying manufacturers’ increased responsibility for recycling and tracking recyclable materials.
As the types of materials used in manufacturing are in constant flux, the future of EPR programs continues to evolve. New products with new materials continue to emerge, such as electric vehicle batteries, electronic cigarettes and solar panels. With those new materials come the requirement for new solutions for managing waste. As EPR programs continue to increase, more types of products can be banned from landfills, prompting new and innovative design and production processes and new markets.
Forward-thinking municipalities continue to plan and manage zero-waste programs, driving the change towards a circular economy by increasing convenience and access for residents, and building strategic partnerships. Well-planned and future-proofed waste management programs ultimately lead to cleaner, more prosperous communities.
Contact us to discuss zero-waste planning and facility design.