Does Centralized Composting Offer Solutions to Problem Packaging?

1. Association of Material Recycling Coordinators Does Centralized CompostingOffer Solutions toProblem Packaging? Presented by: John Haanstra Vice President, Environmental Maple Reinders Group

2. What is Centralized Composting? • A large centralized plant (30 to 100,000 tonnes/annum) • Shredding and mixing of organic materials for optimal C/N ratio • Able process large quantities of food waste and tolerate a significant percentage of none organics • Odour control • Complete control of process parameters • Assurance of pasteurization • Optimal end product screening • Production of a marketable end product • Ability to respond to compost market demands

3. Hamilton Centralized Compost Facility

4. Hamilton Centralized Compost Facility

5. The Objectives of Composting • Improving the natural environment • Producing a beneficial product from waste • Replenishing the organic content of soils • Improving low production agricultural land • Replacing artificial fertilizer • Reducing greenhouse gas production • Protecting the environment • Extending the life of landfills • Pre-treatment for incineration • Satisfying Provincial Regulations • Satisfying political desires

6. Compostability of Waste • Compostable waste • Fruit and vegetable waste • Paper products • Leaf, yard & wood waste • Meats and diary products • In principle, anything that does “rot” • Non-Compostable waste • Plastics bags • Plastic Food trays, containers, cutlery, etc. • Glass • Metals • Textiles • Batteries • In principle, anything that doesn’t “rot”

7. Impacts of Large Quantities of Inert Material on Compost Quality • Increases the tonnes going to landfill • Reduces the compost quality • Inhibits production of a marketable product • Doesn’t return organics back to soils • Reduces environmental benefit • Not sustainable In other words Garbage in – Garbage out

8. Impacts of Small Quantities of Inert Material on Compost Quality • Minor impact on compost quality • Some plastics can be handled • Metals can be mechanically removed • Glass can be screened out • Positive impact on the environment • Sustainable • Best value • High lifecycle rating and low lifecycle cost In other words Good input – Good output

9. Packaging • Paper products are compostable • Food waste is compostable • PE and Plastic is not compostable • Cups & trays with PLA liners can be processed • Cups & trays with PE liners are problematic

10. Compost Trial With Coffee Cups • Cups with PE liners don’t compost • Cups with PLA liners do compost • Small quantities of PE lined cups can be handled with proper shredding and screening

11. Suggested Approach • Establish clear objectives • Promote the use of bio-degradable material for food packaging, cups & trays • Have the Province establish parameters for food containers, cups and trays • Implement prudent solid waste bylaws • Educate the public on the impacts of waste on the environment and the recycling programs • Inspire politicians to take action • Enforce solid waste bylaws

12. The Short Story • Anything that does, over time, get soggy and smell when wet, is compostable • Small quantities of inerts can be handled • Large quantities of inerts defeat the purpose of the effort • Packaging can be made compostable • Work with the Compost Industry (CCC) to determine the optimal approach • Understand your main reasons for composting

13. Thank You. For additional information please contact:Maple Reinders Group2660 Argentia RoadMississauga, ON L5N 5V4John Haanstra jhaanstra@maple.catel: 905-821-4844