Check out the PROGRAMS page for 2010 to 2016 performance highlights, which are presented nationally and by member province.
For several months media have been reporting that there may be a concern with tire derived products that are part of synthetic turf playing fields. These reports, while originating in the United States, are also being reported on in Canada.
There have been numerous independent scientific studies conducted over the past two decades that have reviewed the health effects of crumb rubber, and the findings from these studies do not indicate that there are negative health effects associated with the use of recycled rubber in synthetic turf.
To learn more please explore the following links:
We support the research being done by the aforementioned agencies. As additional findings become available, CATRA and its members will review the results and assess the implications.
FAQs
Q1: Is crumb rubber safe?
It is important to note that CATRA as an organization is not a health expert; that said, many independent studies have reviewed the health effects of crumb rubber and the evidence indicates there are no negative health effects associated with the use of recycled rubber in synthetic turf. Please review the studies and additional background information above.
Q2: How is crumb rubber made?
Tires are first shredded into large chunks. The steel and fibre are separated and removed from the rubber. The rubber is then broken down further into small particles of rubber known as crumb, which can be used to manufacture a wide range of products – from playing fields to planters. For more information, please visit Tire and Rubber Association of Canada’s (TRAC) page and watch the video on tire recycling.
Q3: Are all recycled tire products, including crumb rubber, safe?
Based on current research, products that are in market today are safe for their intended purposes.
Q4: Have you conducted studies? Why not?
CATRA is responsible for supporting effective scrap tire diversion and recycling across Canada – our focus is on waste management, as such we have not conducted any studies ourselves. We are however supportive of more studies being conducted should more information be required. Please review the studies and additional background information above.
Q5: Why are you supporting this product if you can’t say that it is safe?
Based on our knowledge and currently available independent studies, using crumb rubber in playing fields is a safe application of using recycled tires. We can also share that many independent studies have reviewed the health effects of crumb rubber and the evidence indicates there are no negative health effects associated with the use of recycled rubber in synthetic turf. Please review the studies and additional background information above.
Q6: What is CATRA’s role in marketing crumb rubber?
CATRA is an organization with the mission to ensure scrap tires are responsibly recycled and not illegally or unsafely disposed of in the environment. Our members, the not-for-profits and, in some cases, government organizations, are responsible for carrying out this mission to deliver programs in a variety of ways, but none are directly involved in or benefit from the production or sale of crumb rubber.
Q7: What other products use crumb rubber?
The majority of crumb rubber is used to make pour-in-place playground surfaces, gym mats, commercial flooring, roofing shingles, rig mats, horse mats, truck bed liners, automotive parts, and even garden edging and planters.
Q8: Is CATRA not biased? Don’t manufacturers of these products sit on your board?
No. CATRA’s board only includes the Chairs of the provincial and territorial tire recycling agencies or senior staff representing provincial tire recycling programs.
Q9: Why would people choose to use synthetic turf anyway?
There are many reasons why synthetic turf is an ideal option. Some high-traffic fields like those found in sports arenas or school yards can experience difficulty growing or retaining natural grass so synthetic turf makes sense from both a time and cost standpoint. Maintenance is minimal as they don’t require watering or much upkeep, and as the rubber infill is made from recycled rubber tires, it’s a great alternate use for what was originally destined for the landfill.
Q10: Where can I go for more information?
Please visit CATRAonline.ca for more information and links to additional resources.
Check out the PROGRAMS page for 2010 to 2016 performance highlights, which are presented nationally and by member province.
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) has announced that it will partner with Ontario Tire Stewardship for the next biennial Rubber Recycling Symposium.
The event will be held on October 5, 6 and 7, 2016 at the Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls–Fallsview Hotel. As it becomes available, more information about the 2016 symposium – including the program, sponsorship, exhibitor and hotel information, and how to register – will be posted on the TRAC website.
TRAC’s previous Rubber Recycling Symposium was held in Montreal in October 2014, in partnership with the Retread Tire Association and the host sponsor, Recyc-Quebec. The successful 2014 event focused on Driving Innovation to Drive Markets, with speakers addressing “the salient innovations and emerging trends in rubber recycling that have successfully driven markets to make them larger and more effective.”
Historically proven to be a great success, the Rubber Recycling Symposium draws in an international audience of hundreds, including key players in the industry. With thought-provoking panels and ample networking opportunities, the Rubber Recycling Symposium provides a hub where thought leaders can interact and work towards the cooperative development of an environmentally sustainable industry.
Each symposium brings together international experts and professionals from the tire and rubber manufacturing sectors, the rubber recycling industry (including processors, transporters, equipment manufacturers and stewardship organizations), as well as government and academia. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the varied approaches in Extended Producer Responsibility, and to compare successes and opportunities for delivering and meeting our industry’s goals.
The Rubber Recycling Symposium has a track record of attracting top decision-makers and creating an interactive conference setting where innovative ideas are formed and partnerships are made.
GLENN MAIDMENT is the presiding Chair of CATRA, representing the association’s current host province of Ontario. CATRA’s Chair changes every two years, with a representative of each member province fulfilling the position on a rotating basis. In his role as Chair, Glenn is supported by his Executive Committee to
═ Oversee effectiveness of CATRA committees and day-to-day operations
═ Support collaborative projects that benefit members
═ Ensure CATRA’s vision, mission and organizational structure reflect member needs
═ Lead development and facilitate delivery of CATRA’s Strategic Plan
═ Continuously improve member services including networking opportunities
Glenn is a 35-year veteran of the rubber industry, having started his career in Kitchener Ontario working for a major tire company. Following progressively senior positions in Sales and Marketing, Glenn joined the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) in 1991 and was appointed President in 2001. Established in 1920, TRAC is the national trade association representing the interests of tire and other rubber manufacturers and importers of rubber goods into Canada, together with rubber recyclers and suppliers whose goods or services directly relate to our industry.
In his current TRAC role, he manages the overall affairs of the rubber industry association, acts as the industry’s chief spokesman, and develops and implements their strategic direction in concert with the Association’s Board of Directors. One such initiative was the industry’s implementation of the performance-based symbol to identify winter tires, which is now adopted around the world.
In addition, Glenn represents Canada, through the Standards Council of Canada, on the International Standards Organization Technical Committee 31 (TYRES and RIMS) and is International Chair of TC31/SC6, Off-The-Road Tyres. He is also a member of three provincial tire stewardship boards in Ontario, Manitoba and B.C.
Mr. Maidment graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a degree in Economics and earned his Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives.
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) is the national trade association representing the interests of tire and other rubber manufacturers and importers of rubber goods into Canada, together with rubber recyclers and suppliers whose goods or services directly relate to these industries.
TRAC recently submitted a response to Ontario’s proposed Bill 151, the Waste-Free Ontario Act. Feedback from the public was invited by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change on both the Act and its Draft Strategy for a Waste-Free Ontario: Building the Circular Economy.
If passed, the Bill is intended to significantly transform Ontario’s waste diversion system and would give the government new powers to modify Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) or “polluter pay” programs. The planned reform would include Ontario’s scrap tire recycling program, currently delivered on behalf of the province by Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS).
For information purposes only, CATRA is sharing TRAC’s submission on Bill 151:
http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/686675/Bill_151_Waste-Free_Ontario/TRAC_Submission_Bill_151_FINAL.pdf?t=1457037326550
Early-Bird Registration for the 2016 Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) Rubber Recycling Symposium is now open. You are encouraged to register soon to ensure that you receive the discounted Full Delegate rate. Alternate rates are also available for Single Day attendance and for delegates’ spouses.
The 2016 Symposium will be held from
October 5 to 7 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Niagara Falls, Canada
Register by visiting the TRAC website
“Driving Towards the Circular Economy” is the focus of the 2016 event. The Symposium will explore both the obstacles to full resource recovery and the innovations that give the tire rubber industry hope for the circular economy.
Check out the Program-at-a-Glance for details of the Symposium’s agenda and content.
Canada's Tire Recycling Fees by Province, by Tire Type (October 2018)
The Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment (CCME) is the minister-led intergovernmental forum for action on environmental issues of national and international concern. Its Waste Management Task Group works with stakeholders to achieve greater consistency on key elements of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and product stewardship programs across Canada.
The CCME recently completed a benchmarking study of current requirements for several Canadian EPR and product stewardship programs, based on provincial and territorial regulations. The study focused on four elements:
The objectives of the study were to document the Key Consistencies and Key Inconsistencies amongst the Canadian programs for tires and several other wastes: household hazardous and special wastes; waste electronics and electrical products; packaging and printed paper; beverage containers; used lubricating oils and products; antifreeze; and lead-acid batteries.
On behalf of its Provincial/Territorial members, CATRA provided input to the CCME study for tires. The study’s findings were as follows:
Tires - Key Consistencies
(1) CATRA: This CCME finding was based on their document review only and does not reflect that Quebec’s program is audited annually by the provincial auditor.
Tires - Key Inconsistencies
(2) CATRA: While not necessarily articulated in regulation, all programs are structured to capture eco-fees on new tires that enter their jurisdictions.
The CCME’s list of inconsistencies was reviewed by CATRA’s Standardization Committee, comprising representatives of several Canadian jurisdictions with tire recycling programs. The Committee fully supports program consistency but believes it must be coupled with the ability to accommodate jurisdictional variations, and potentially ongoing adjustments, making standardization through regulation cumbersome if not impossible.
CATRA was asked to provide recommendations based on the CCME report findings. Rather than propose regulatory standardization of any of the four elements reviewed, the Committee recommended that regulations be modified, as needed, to convey more flexibility for decision-making to the stewardship organizations, e.g.:
Greater flexibility in regulations would allow the stewardship organizations to work together to increase harmonization not only in the four elements addressed in the study, but in other areas that may be determined advantageous.
In addition to benefits to the stewardship organizations, increased regulatory flexibility would also provide value to provincial, national or international stakeholders in areas that include:
The CCME is currently reviewing the recommendations from CATRA and the other waste sectors included in the study. Any planned actions by the CCME as the result of CATRA’s recommendations will be updated on the CATRA website as they are known.
The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is an international non-profit association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, as well as suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry. With over 8,000 members from all 50 U.S. states and around the globe, the TIA is a leading authority in the tire industry for advocacy and training.
The TIA recently released its Position Statement regarding the recycling of scrap tires. The statement was issued in response to recent media claims that products containing crumb rubber may be harmful to people and the environment.
Based on its extensive review of more than 60 technical studies, as well as expert field and laboratory analyses, the conclusion of the TIA was that crumb rubber used in artificial turf or as a playground surface poses no significant health or environmental risk.
The TIA therefore supports the continued use of crumb rubber in synthetic turf, athletic fields and playgrounds as well as other product applications. They find the media claims to be unsubstantiated and not supported by any scientific evidence.
Details of the TIA’s review and findings are available in its Position Statement.
UPDATE: The Government of Yukon announced that it will postpone the implementation of its amended recycling regulation, discussed below. For further information, see Yukon's official announcement of July 12, 2016: http://www.gov.yk.ca/news/16-257.html#.V4_ozLiAOkq
The Government of Yukon has announced the upcoming modernization of its recycling system. The changes include amendments to its Designated Materials Regulation (see Order No. O.I.C. 2016/88) which covers tires and other goods, and reflect significant progress in the system’s structure.
Taking effect on October 11, 2016, the adjustments will result in the increased diversion of tires from Yukon landfills and better cover the costs of tire handling, transporting and recycling.
The existing Designated Materials Regulation applies a surcharge only to tires with a 24.5-inch rim size or smaller, which are currently assigned a flat rate of $5 per tire. The October amendment will add larger tire categories, and surcharges will be implemented to more closely align with the cost of the tire’s end-of-life management:
Tire Rim Size Surcharge
17 inches and smaller $7
18 to 22 inches $15
Greater than 22 inches $50
Used tires can be dropped off at depots/waste facilities permitted by the Ministry of Community Services and consumers will no longer have to pay a “tipping fee” to do so.
As part of the changes, all manufacturers, distributors and retailers of tires sold in Yukon must register with the Yukon government and maintain information on the tires they supply and the related surcharges.
Anyone with questions about these changes should continue to visit the Yukon Government’s website for information updates, or send an inquiry to YGrecycles@gov.yk.ca
RRFB Nova Scotia has commenced its 20th year of recycling under a fresh, new name – Divert NS!
Formerly the Resource Recovery Fund Board (RRFB Nova Scotia), Divert NS recently evaluated and refined the strategic goals of their organization. To emphasize the shift, they are also beginning their next 20 years of waste diversion under a new tagline – Nothing Wasted.
Divert NS operates two primary recycling programs: the Used Tire Management Program and the Beverage Container Deposit-Refund Program. These programs are the core of their business and support programming for environmental stewardship, education, research and development, and value-added manufacturing.
In 2015/16, the used tire program collected 1.17 million passenger tire equivalents, representing a 76% recovery rate. In the last 20 years, over 18.4 million used tires have been diverted from the province’s landfills.
For details of the Divert NS results for 2015-2016, check out their annual report and new video:
The Rubber Modified Asphalt Conference will take place on November 2-3, 2016 at the Sheraton Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The event will be hosted by the Scrap Tire Research and Education Foundation, Inc. (STREF), the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), the Rubber Pavements Association (RPA) and the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society.
Key topics for the conference include case studies from the Department of Transportation, technology origins, and current usage and costs. Co-hosted by asphalt industry experts, the 1.5-day conference will also include a keynote speech by the U.S Federal Highways Administration (FHWA) and an industry exhibition area.
Check out the conference details, including registration information, accommodations information and agenda items.
Congratulations to Alberta on the recycling of 100 million tires!
This significant milestone was celebrated in Lethbridge on September 9, 2016 at the grand opening of a new playground at Gilbert Paterson Middle School, where rubber crumb made from Alberta scrap tires was used for the playground surface. The ceremony was attended by several provincial and local dignitaries.
To put Alberta’s achievement into perspective, 100 million tires laid side-by-side would circle the earth two times – the equivalent of about 80,000 kilometers.
Launched in 1992, Alberta’s tire recycling program was one of the first in Canada. The program is managed by the Alberta Recycling Management Authority, which also manages the province’s waste paint and electronics. Through the tire program, valuable material is diverted from landfills and recycled, creating jobs and new products that come back full-circle into the province’s communities: Alberta Recycling’s municipal grant programs have provided over $12 million to communities since 2000.
According to Bob Barss, Chairman of Alberta Recycling, Albertans, municipalities, tire and vehicle retailers and the province’s recycling industry all played a key role in this accomplishment.
In addition to playground surfaces, Alberta’s 100 million tires were recycled into products that include sidewalk blocks, roofing tiles, sports fields, rig mats, box liners and agricultural dairy mats.
For Alberta’s news release on its milestone, which includes background information on the Gilbert Patterson Middle School project and the tire program’s operations, please go to: http://www.albertarecycling.ca/news-items/2016/09/27/recycling-milestone
The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) based in Washington D.C. recently released its statistics on scrap tire management in the U.S.
As the national trade association representing tire manufacturers in the U.S., the RMA’s scrap tire management efforts are a reflection of the tire industry’s commitment to the concept of shared responsibility for its products when not suitable for use on vehicles.
The RMA supports scrap tire markets that are environmentally sound and economically feasible and works with the U.S. EPA and other stakeholders to foster those goals.
In addition to an overview of current State programs, the RMA’s 2015 U.S. scrap tire profile includes statistics on:
The RMA’s comprehensive statistics on scrap tire management are available at https://rma.org/sites/default/files/RMA_scraptire_summ_2015.pdf.
In July 2016, Recycle NB was pleased to announce the inclusion of bicycle tires and tubes in its tire recycling program.
Teaming up with the Canadian Independent Bike Retailers Association (CIBRA), the province’s bike shops, tire retailers, and Tire Recycling Atlantic Canada Corporation (TRACC), Recycle NB launched the pilot program to give cyclists the chance to recycle their old tires and tubes.
According to the province’s Minister of Environment and Local Government, this initiative is an excellent and innovative way to divert waste from New Brunswick landfills, embrace a greener economy and create jobs.
Collectors under the existing recycling program will pick up the bicycle tires and tubes as part of their routine tire collections – at no cost to either the cyclists or bike shops. Citizens can find out where to recycle their bicycle tires by visiting https://www.recyclenb.com/bicycle-tire-recycling.
TRACC’s manufacturing plant in Minto New Brunswick will use the tires and tubes in the production of cattle mattresses and crumb rubber which will be used in a variety of products.
Recycle NB oversees the recycling of the province’s waste tires, paint, electronics, oil and glycol. Information on Recycle NB and its programs is available at www.recyclenb.com.
For further information on this expansion of NB’s program, including the official kick-off event, please see Recycle NB’s full press release.
CATRA is pleased to announce that Jeff MacCallum will serve as Chair for the next two years. Taking the reins from outgoing Chair Glenn Maidment, Jeff is a firm believer in the need for responsible environmental stewardship and the reality that the environment and economy can thrive together.
Since 2012, Jeff MacCallum has been the CEO of Divert Nova Scotia, a not-for-profit organization that champions recycling in the province and has operated the tire recycling program since its inception in 1997. He began his career with Divert Nova Scotia as Director of Programs & Business Development in 2007 and was later promoted to Senior Director of Business Development & Operations before his appointment to CEO.
Before Divert Nova Scotia, Jeff worked for the province in Economic Development for almost 10 years in various roles, including Director of Economic Strategies & Initiatives. He holds an MBA from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University and is a member of the Truro & Colchester Chamber of Commerce.
CATRA members look forward to benefitting from Jeff’s focus on innovation and his collaborative approach to moving initiatives forward.
The first week of October was a productive time for tire recycling innovators in Canada and beyond.
The Annual General meeting of CATRA’s provincial members held in Niagara was immediately followed at the same venue by the bi-annual Recycled Rubber Symposium hosted by the Tire & Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC).
CATRA’s AGM allows individual member provinces to share their successes, challenges and changes, helping to identify issues and initiatives that benefit from common consideration.
CATRA and Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) were sponsors of TRAC’s 2016 symposium, which focused on “Driving Toward the Circular Economy.” A review of the symposium was recently published by CATRA’s Ontario member and an extract is reproduced here with the permission of the writer, Andrew Horsman, Executive Director of OTS.
The Tire & Rubber Association of Canada’s bi-annual Recycled Rubber Symposium is an international gathering that brings together a wide range of stakeholders to encourage discussion and foster innovation within the industry. The symposium included presentations from around the globe that touched on areas such as driving the circular economy, legislative comparisons, and industrial applications of rubber devulcanization.
Some of the presentation highlights include:
- An experimental house built by Red River College which allows for consistent comparison of traditional infill with recycled rubber infill. The early results show great benefits surrounding moisture, heat, and cooling – This is a project to watch!
- Research being conducted by Ecopneus out of Italy that is looking at the impact of environmental factors, such as pollution on crumb rubber applications and the potential health effects.
- New plant life that Bridgestone is currently investigating for the creation of a more sustainable tire. In 2015 they created the first tire made out of the Guayule plant!
- The interesting work that Titan Tire Reclamation is doing to find ways to recycle mining tires in Fort McMurray.
One of the most positive aspects of the week’s learnings was to see the increased use of recycled rubber for high value products across Canada.
Given the amount of research taking place within the industry and dedicated organizations involved, there is promise of an interesting year ahead!
For the full review and other OTS articles, blog posts, videos, recycled tire product updates and other news related to tires, please visit http://rethinktires.ca/category/media-centre/
CATRA members continue to show an impressive variety of high value uses in the products created from end-of-life tires in Canada.
CATRA conducts an annual data survey of its member organizations (10 provinces and one territory) to arrive at a nation-wide picture of new tires sold, used tires collected and recycled, and the final markets.
The chart shows the percentage of Canada’s scrap tires directed to each of the generally accepted uses in 2015: Tire Derived Products (TDP), which include crumb rubber, molded products, Tire Derived Aggregate (TDA), mulch, extracted steel and fiber, and blasting mats; and Tire Derived Fuel (TDF), which is generally consumed by cement or other industrial kilns as a supplementary fuel, in the whole-tire form or as shreds or chips.
Leading the way in 2015 and historically is crumb rubber, which is used in a variety of products such as athletics surfaces and fields, agricultural and equestrian mats, playground and other safety surfaces, patio blocks, and more. When combined with molded products, which also incorporate crumb rubber, the two categories represent close to 60% of Canada’s end products. The molded category includes products such as ramps, sidewalk curbing, landscaping forms, and other innovative applications.
Following crumb rubber and molded products in 2015, TDA is used in civil engineering applications using a variety of sizes of shredded rubber. Examples include light fill in road construction and drainage/leachate material for municipal landfills. At a national level, over the past three years, TDA markets have undergone a steady decline; this compares to a year over year increase in mulch, used exclusively in landscaping applications. These types of changes in market trends are being closely monitored by CATRA members.
Other key metrics from the 2015 data survey are now available on the CATRA website at both a National and Provincial/Territorial level.
Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) offers community grant programs to encourage the use of provincially-created recycled tire rubber products within their province.
The final 2016 round of applications to Ontario’s Community Renewal Fund (CRF) closed on November 30, 2016 and OTS is now gearing up for the application process to re-open in spring 2017.
The grant awards Ontario communities up to $50,000 to reimagine and reinvigorate their community spaces using products made by Ontario manufacturers using Ontario recycled tires. Approved grants are used towards the purchase, freight and installation of recycled tire products. Visit the OTS website for specifics on the funding available.
The CRF awards resulting from the first wave of applications earlier in 2016 were announced in October and represent a total of seven projects in six different communities across Ontario. To learn more about the uses and benefits of Ontario’s products, read the Case Studies about past grant recipients.
Ontario’s grant is open to municipalities, registered non-profit community groups or organizations, schools/colleges/universities, and First Nations communities throughout Ontario. In addition to utilizing products made from Ontario recycled rubber, projects must be accessible to the public and wheelchair accessible. Check out the FAQs for additional project criteria.
You may also be interested in learning about the community-focused grant programs of other CATRA members:
British Columbia – Community Grant Program
Alberta – Municipal Demonstration Grant Program
Saskatchewan – Community Demonstration Grant
Manitoba – Community Grant Program
Several members also offer research and development or innovation funding programs, to develop new or improved technologies, products or services, including Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Ontario.
A recent study by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has concluded that athletic events in the Netherlands played on synthetic turf with rubber granules do not significantly increase exposure to carcinogenic substances. “This is because the substances are more or less ‘enclosed’ in the granulate, which means that the effect of these substances on human health is virtually negligible.”
Published in December 2016, the study states that “it is clear from the composition of the rubber granulate that the chemical substances that are capable of causing leukaemia or lymph node cancer are either not present (benzene and 1,3-butadiene) or are present in a very low quantity (2-mercaptobenzothiazole).” It further notes that since the 1980s, a slight rise has been observed in the number of people aged between 10 and 29 who get leukaemia but that this trend has not changed since synthetic turf fields were first used in the Netherlands in 2001.
While concluding that rubber granulate in synthetic turf is safe, the study confirms that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is currently conducting research to determine a suitable standard for rubber granulate since the standard for consumer products is far more stringent than for ‘mixtures’, under which rubber granulate is currently categorized.
A synopsis of the RIVM study includes a link to the downloadable full report, written in Dutch.
Why is rubber granulate used in synthetic turf?
As described by the RIVM, “rubber granulate is finely crushed rubber particles that are usually made from old car tyres. When used as infill on fields of synthetic turf, it gives the field properties similar to normal turf. It means the ball does not roll too fast and does not bounce too high, and makes the synthetic turf better suited to sliding tackles than it would be without the granulate. Synthetic turf fields can be used intensively all year around and need less maintenance.”
Check out CATRA’s website for the Tire Industry Association’s position statement on crumb rubber used in artificial turf and CATRA’s statement on the same subject. We will endeavour to provide more information on this topic as it becomes available.
In November 2016, New Brunswick marked the 20th year of its tire recycling program at a celebratory event held in Fredericton.
The event was attended by key recycling program partners who were instrumental in achieving the diversion of approximately 20 million tires from the province’s landfills. The recycling partners were presented with certificates of appreciation by the province’s Minister of Environment and Local Government, Serge Rousselle.
According to Recycle NB CEO Pat McCarthy, “New Brunswickers have supported the program from the start. We really appreciate their efforts to recycle their scrap tires. They help to keep our province clean and green.”
New Brunswick’s program creates value added products such as garden mulch, playground cover, livestock mats and snowplow blades which are sold to markets around the world. In the first 20 years of the program, these products used about 300 million pounds of rubber from the province’s scrap tires.
Check out Recycle NB’s full news release about this important milestone. Details of Recycle NB and its programs are also available at www.recyclenb.com
Annual tire diversion rates and markets are available for New Brunswick and CATRA’s other Members at http://www.catraonline.ca/provincial-data
The new "Be Winter Smart" campaign by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) is well underway to promote safe winter driving.
As part of TRAC’s Be Tire Smart initiative, the new campaign has many tools and expert tips to help keep everyone safe on the winter roads. Here are just a few of the campaign’s helpful pointers:
The campaign also includes several informative blogs by driving and tire professionals:
Step Up Your Winter Driving Game – Professional driving instructor, Kevin Cronin, explains why winter tires make the perfect travel companion for your winter commute.
A Pro’s Guide to Winter Driving – Raptors in-game and digital host, Kat Stefankiewicz, gets behind the wheel to see what difference winter tires can make.
Gear Up for Winter Driving – Canadian Tire product specialist, Chris Heck, demonstrates how to get your ride winter-ready.
Talk to your retailer about other great ways to be winter tire smart. You can also follow Be Tire Smart on any of TRAC’s social channels:
Twitter: @BeTireSmartCA
Facebook: @betiresmartCA
Google+: Be Tire Smart Canada
YouTube: Be Tire Smart Canada
CATRA is pleased to announce the publishing of its inaugural Annual Report.
The report provides highlights of CATRA’s work and accomplishments in 2016, in addition to plans for 2017 and beyond to ensure a sustainable, positive value for end-of-life tires in Canada.
Introduced by both the outgoing and incoming CATRA Chairs, key features include how CATRA is supporting the circular economy, how Members are giving back to their communities, and the objectives and focus areas of CATRA’s six expert working committees.
The 2016 Annual Report is available on this website.
Questions or comments are welcomed and can be submitted at http://www.catraonline.ca/contact
Driving New Scrap Tire Markets though Innovation is the focus of the 7th Scrap to Profit Conference to be held October 25-26, 2017 at The Inn at Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.
The event is hosted by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), the Scrap Tire Research and Education Foundation (STREF), and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation’s Office of Sustainable Practices and Division of 
Solid Waste.
The conference is promoted as an education and networking opportunity for haulers, recyclers, processors, equipment suppliers, and scrap tire program managers to help improve their understanding of scrap tire markets and what it takes to innovate and create new markets.
Focusing on innovation with presenters who have experience innovating and producing new markets, the conference goal is to encourage the collaboration and experimentation needed to grow new markets.
Conference topics will be non-commercial and include market discussions of tire derived fuel, civil engineering, and ground rubber. Other topics planned are the research and education needs for new markets, recent innovations in scrap tire uses, and updates on pyrolysis and gasification technologies.
The conference will be preceded on October 24th by a meeting of the Scrap Tire Work Group to discuss the overall progress of U.S. state scrap tire markets and programs. The group includes representatives from government, trade organizations, scrap tire publications, consultants, academia, and scrap tire recyclers.
For conference registration, go to www.stref.org
The Rubber Manufacturers Association is the national trade association for tire manufacturers that make tires in the U.S. Visit the RMA’s website at https://rma.org/
The Scrap Tire Research and Education Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit research foundation established to support research and educational activities on issues relating to the sound handling and utilization of waste or scrap tires. You can contact STREF at info@stref.org
Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) is excited to announce that after only eight years of operation, its Used Tires Program has achieved the recycling of 100 million tires. If stacked, those tires would be about 36,000 times the height of Toronto’s famous CN Tower!
But Ontario’s success doesn’t stop there.
In addition to this April milestone, with the help of its industry partners, Ontario has maintained a 100% diversion rate of newly generated scrap tires and cleaned up more than one million tire piles that had accumulated across the province before the program launched in 2009.
Ontario’s used tires are diverted from landfills to gain new life as eco-friendly products for the home, garden and landscaping – including patio tiles, planters, rubber landscaping mulch, gym flooring, playground surfacing and more.
Check out the video, 100 Million Tires & Counting!, which highlights OTS’ contributions to Ontario’s environment, economy and communities. http://rethinktires.ca/100-million-tires-counting/#sthash.r1XEZiPI.dpbs
Read OTS’ announcement, Road to 100 – the journey to 100 million tires recycled in Ontario at http://rethinktires.ca/road-to-100-the-journey-to-100-million-tires-recycled-in-ontario/#sthash.EGoLy6kp.S4z87R6y.dpuf
Annual tire diversion rates and markets are available for Ontario and CATRA’s other Members at http://www.catraonline.ca/provincial-data
Effective September 1, 2017, Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan (TSS) took over operation of the province’s tire recycling program from Saskatchewan Scrap Tire Stewardship (SSTC).
TSS is currently seeking an Executive Director for the new organization. Interested parties can check out the attached job posting for details of the position and qualifications required.
Responses to TSS are required by September 26, 2017 and should be directed to contactus@tirestewardshipsk.ca
Keep an eye on the CATRA news feed for more information on the newly formed Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan!
In a recent interview with Recycling Product News, Andrew Horsman of Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) discussed the wind-down of the province’s current tire recycling program.
In the Q&A, the organization’s Executive Director outlined what will happen to end-of-life tires in Canada’s most populous province as a result of the dissolution of OTS by December 2018.
OTS, a not-for-profit organization, has successfully managed Ontario’s tire program since 2009. Its mandate has been to properly manage the province’s end-of-life of tires, celebrating the recycling of 100 million tires under its watch earlier this year.
The changes occurring in Ontario began with the provincial government’s November 2016 introduction of Bill 151, the Waste Free Ontario Act, which includes the Waste Diversion Transition Act and the Resource Recovery & Circular Economy Act. The 2016 legislation introduced a new producer responsibility framework that would make producers individually responsible and accountable for their end-of-life products and packaging.
OTS’ wind-up plan must be submitted by November 30, 2017 to the province’s Resource Productivity and Recovery Authority (RPRA), an entity created under the new producer responsibility framework.
A key focus of the OTS wind-up plan will be engagement and meaningful communications with tire recycling stakeholders to help ensure minimal impacts leading up to and during the change.
Want more information?
Read Mr. Horsman’s full interview with Recycling Product News at:
With the launch of its new website, a recently formed organization has officially thrown its hat in the ring to become a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) under the Ontario government’s new model to manage the province’s scrap tires.
eTracks Tire Management Systems is a not-for-profit organization incorporated by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC). According to its website, eTracks’ goal is to meet the needs of TRAC members and other obligated producers interested in the responsible management and disposal of Ontario’s end of life tires.
Under the province’s new model, a producer responsibility framework obligates individual companies to ensure that their used tires are recovered and recycled according to provincial standards. These producers are free to engage a third-party PRO such as eTracks to help them manage their legislated responsibilities.
The Resource Recovery & Circular Economy Act and related regulations (pending) replace Ontario’s existing stewardship model for managing the province’s waste and after nine years of operation, will see the exit of Ontario Tire Stewardship at the end of 2018.
Check out eTracks’ new website at https://etracks.ca/
For details on the wind-up of Ontario Tire Stewardship, click here.
The Chair of Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSS) recently announced the engagement of Brad Colin as its new Executive Director, starting December 11, 2017.
In his announcement, Colin Fraser confirmed that Brad will be tasked with implementing the new TSS Product Stewardship Program (PSP) and will be a key contact for industry, TSS registered retailers, contracted service providers and program stakeholders.
With an extensive background in information management, governance, and project leadership, the TSS Chair is confident that Mr. Colin has the skills and experience to deliver successfully on the organization’s vision to be the best tire recycling program in Canada.
TSS has operated Saskatchewan’s program on a status quo basis since September 1, 2017, which began a period of transition from the former program operator, Saskatchewan Scrap Tire Corporation. In October, TSS received government approval to operate the province’s scrap tire recycling program for the next three years, effective January 1, 2018, based on its PSP submission.
Information about tire retailers, collectors and processors is available on the program operator’s new website. Processors and innovators with an interest in the direction of TSS and the PSP are invited to contact TSS.
Brad Colin can be reached at 1-833-790-1894 (toll free), 1-306-789-7630 (fax) or by email to brad@tirestewardshipsk.ca.
CATRA members were saddened by the January 5th passing of Don Blythe who had served as Chair of Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) since 2007.
Prior to joining the CATRA member as its board Chair, Don had a long and successful career in the tire retail sector that began in 1957. He started his journey as an employee with Goodyear and in 1983, after many years as an OK Tire franchisee, was named its president – a position he held for twenty years.
Don also served as president of Western Canada Tire Dealers (WCTD) from 1995 to 1997 and was named to its Hall of Fame in 2008. He was further honoured as an inductee into the Tire Industry Association (TIA) Hall of Fame in 2010.
Over the course of his career, Don contributed his time and knowledge to the development of several scrap tire recycling programs in Canada, particularly British Columbia’s. His involvement in the work required to transfer the provincial program from a government-run to an industry-run model was significant in achieving that goal in 2007.
Over the years, Don was active on several CATRA committees and at the time of his passing, was a key member of the Management Committee and the Best Practices and Compliance Committee. While he frequently referred to himself as just a “tire kicker”, Don was much more than that to CATRA’s members and he will be sorely missed.
A long-time resident of Surrey, B.C., Don is survived by Laura, his wife of 54 years.
The Alberta Recycling Management Authority recently announced the appointment of a new Chair to its Board.
Caroline McAuley replaces former Chair Bob Barss who completed an 11-year term with Alberta Recycling. Well-known to CATRA members, Bob served on several CATRA committees during his term and made significant contributions in advancing CATRA’s vision.
Caroline was selected as Alberta Recycling’s Chair following a formal recruitment process conducted by Alberta Environment and Parks. She will serve a three-year term that commenced on January 14, 2018, and will represent the Public-at-Large.
Currently the Mayor of Vermilion, Alberta, Caroline’s accomplishments include improving recycling in the community and regional water as well as championing economic development. For further information on Ms. McAuley’s background, click here.
Caroline joins Alberta Recycling on the heels of the province’s major milestone in 2016, achieving the recycling of 100 million tires since the program’s inception in 1992.
CATRA looks forward to working with Ms. McAuley as she continues her predecessor’s goal to ensure that all of Alberta’s designated scrap tires are collected and processed in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.
Statistics on tire collection and recycling for Alberta Recycling and the other Canadian programs are available on CATRA’s website.
CATRA is pleased to announce the publishing of its second Annual Report.
Our 2017 report focuses on the many ways in which CATRA members have delivered in the three key areas of Diversion, Driving Local Economies, and Supporting Communities.
Introduced by Jeff MacCallum, CATRA's current Chair, the report features significant member achievements both in 2017 and cumulatively since the inception of their programs.
Building on our 2017 successes, 2018 is set to be another year of achievement and growth – full of opportunities for CATRA to support its members as they work closely with their respective governments to carry out their environmental and economic responsibilities.
The 2017 report is available on CATRA's website in both English and French.
Questions or comments about the 2017 Annual Report or any other aspect of CATRA can be submitted at http://www.catraonline.ca/contact
Ontario: Where to now? ...
In February’s Recycling Product News (RPN), the Executive Director of Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) looks back on the program’s achievements since its 2009 inception amidst ongoing industry speculation on what the future holds once the province’s existing tire recycling program winds up in December 2018.
At about 12 million tires per year, Ontario sells more tires than any other Canadian province. This means that continuity of the current program’s recycling successes is essential once the province transitions to the Individual Producer Responsibility model under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act in January 2019.
Andrew Horsman’s commentary includes examples of OTS’ focus on investing in innovation and Research & Development, from supporting the revitalization of community spaces to growing high-value, sustainable markets for the province’s recycled rubber.
Click here to read the RPN article.
Want more information?
Check out CATRA’s related news article on the OTS wind up, published in November 2017.
Judge gives nod to
Nova Scotia’s TDF pilot ...
A Provincial Supreme Court judge has dismissed a request by a residents’ group for a judicial review of the Environment Minister’s approval for the use of tire derived fuel (TDF) at Brookfield’s Lafarge cement plant.
Assessing the project’s approval as reasonable, the judge’s March 20th dismissal means that Lafarge’s pilot project can proceed with using about 20 tonnes of whole-tire TDF per day as a replacement fuel in one of its kilns.
The plant’s request for a one-year pilot received the Ministry’s go-ahead in July 2017. The objective of the pilot is to determine the results of burning TDF in place of traditional fossil fuels such as coal and petcoke.
Lafarge has a contract with Divert NS, managers of the province’s successful tire recycling program, to provide the used tires for the pilot.
Want more information?
Following is a link to the court’s decision as well as local media coverage on the matter.
Court decision:
http://www.courts.ns.ca/Decisions_Of_Courts/documents/2018nssc55.pdf
Media coverage:
https://globalnews.ca/news/4094595/judge-dismisses-court-challenge/
New Ontario regulation ...
On April 10, 2018, Ontario’s Ministry of Environment and Climate Change implemented Regulation 225/18, which governs the system in which used tires will be managed.
Under the new regulation, the minimum weight of tires to be collected by a Producer each year will be based on 85% of the tires they supplied, using the formula: (Y3 + Y4 + Y5) / 3 × 0.85. “Y3” is the weight of tires supplied, or provided on vehicles supplied, in Ontario by the Producer in the calendar year 3 years prior to the collection year; “Y4” is the weight in the calendar year 4 years prior; and “Y5” is the weight in the calendar year 5 years prior.
The Regulation further requires Producers to establish and operate collection sites numbering at least 75% of the number of retail locations they have in a municipality, with rules varying for smaller and remote municipalities.
So, how do Ontario’s new collection requirements compare to other Canadian jurisdictions?
Currently, only two other provinces regulate the minimum volume of tires to be collected annually: British Columbia and New Brunswick. In general, the remaining jurisdictions either propose collection targets in their Stewardship Plans (for government approval) and report the results annually; or they set no specific targets but report the collection results in their annual reports.
Following is a table of findings from a 2016 benchmarking study by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME). It summarizes the approach to collection targets in each jurisdiction. The findings were updated by CATRA to reflect recent changes in Ontario and Saskatchewan.
| Performance/ Recovery: | BC | AB | SK | MB | ON | QC | PE | NB | NS | NL | YT |
| Rates in Regulation? | Recovery Rate % or alternative | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Rates required elsewhere? | Steward-ship Plan | Business Plan | TSS Annual Report | In guide-lines | Producer Annual Report | Not specified | IWMC Annual Report | RNB Annual Report | RRFB Annual Report | MMSB Annual Report | Not specified |
Want more information?
Ontario’s new regulation is available at: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r18225#BK6
A previous CATRA news article on the 2016 CCME benchmarking study is available at: https://www.catraonline.ca/news/9/ccme-incoherences-dans-la-reglementation-des-pneus-au-canada
2018 Symposium ...
“Taking Sustainability to the Next Level” will be the theme of the 2018 Rubber Recycling Symposium.
This year’s event will be hosted by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) and the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) together with the Host Sponsor, eTracks Tire Management Systems. It will be held at the at the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel, Niagara Falls, Canada on November 7 and 8.
Held biennially, the Symposium brings together international experts and professionals from the tire and rubber manufacturing sectors, the rubber recycling industry, including processors, transporters, equipment manufacturers and stewardship organizations, as well as government and academia. The event offers a unique opportunity to explore the varied approaches in Extended Producer Responsibility, and to compare successes and opportunities for delivering and meeting industry goals.
The Symposium’s theme starts with the premise that corporate sustainability is fully embedded at the highest level of the industry. But what about the value chain as tires move through the market distribution channels to the final end-user? Are there sustainable market players throughout the channels who act in accord with corporate sustainability goals and, more importantly, can these players operate in an ethical, social, environmental, cultural and economic sphere in the same way as their major suppliers?
The 2018 Symposium will attempt to explore all sides of the issue in order to take the industry’s corporate sustainability where it needs to be, recognizing the influences of other drivers such as economic factors, market conditions and legislative obligations.
Want more information?
To register, book accommodations, or review the 2018 program highlights, click here.
TSBC names new Board Chair ...
Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) is pleased to announce that Mr. Glen Ringdal has accepted the position of board Chair. Glen has been a TSBC board member since the agency’s commencement in 2007 and replaces former chair Don Blythe who passed away earlier this year.
From 2001 to 2008, Mr. Ringdal was President of British Columbia’s New Car Dealers Association (NCDA), the provincial industry association that represents more than 390 new car and truck dealers throughout the province. The Association speaks on behalf of the retail new automotive industry to the public, media, and government, and deals primarily with the legal, environmental, and consumer issues relating to new vehicle sales in British Columbia.
Glen previously served the industry on the boards of the Automotive Industry Training Authority (AITA) and the Automotive Training Standards Organization (ATSO).
Glen also spent over 25 years in Professional Sports marketing and administration in British Columbia. He was vice-president of the Vancouver Canucks, President of the BC Lions, President of the Vancouver 86ers (Whitecaps) and in 2000 was named the JCC Sports Personality of the Year. Following his term as NCDA President, Glen re-entered the sports world as Manager of the Langley Events Centre and today he is the President and CEO of Prospera Centre in Chilliwack and the Chilliwack Chiefs BCHL Hockey Club. In early 2014, he helped to form MMG Media Productions Inc. and Travel HotSpots Media Inc., a media products producer serving the travel industry.
Glen and his wife Sherry live in Coquitlam, BC.
CATRA looks forward to working with Glen in his new role as the TSBC board Chair.
Want more information?
For more information about TSBC, click here to visit their website.
Statistics on tire collection and end products for TSBC and other CATRA members are available on our Provincial Data page.
Saskatchewan issues 2 RFPs
for stockpile cleanups ...
Editor’s note: CATRA is sharing the following News Release on behalf of Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan (TSS).
News Release: Request for Proposal Issued for Disposal of Abandoned Scrap Tires in Assiniboia
Saskatchewan’s new scrap tire recycling program operator is moving forward with a plan to clean up the former Assiniboia Rubber Recycling Inc. site. TSS, on behalf of the Ministry of Environment, has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit innovative bids to dispose of scrap tires at the ARR site in Assiniboia.
“Addressing the environmental and safety issues associated with the Assiniboia facility has been a government priority for some time,” said Environment Minister Dustin Duncan. “Having TSS in place to take on the cleanup challenge is a milestone development for the province, and encouraging news for the community.”
TSS is the new program operator for the provincial scrap tire recycling program and is operating under a new, ministry-approved Product Stewardship Program as of January 1, 2018. As part of its stewardship role, TSS is working with the ministry towards a cleanup solution for the abandoned scrap tires in the Town of Assiniboia.
“The Town is very pleased with this announcement as this issue has been very concerning for Council, Administration and our greater community,” said Assiniboia Mayor Bob Himbeault. “We are looking forward to a successful resolution.”
Interested proponents can find the RFP, criteria and other associated documents, on www.sasktenders.ca. Responses to the RFP must be finalized and delivered by Thursday, July 26, 2018 in order to be considered. All amendments and updates to the RFP will be made exclusively on SaskTenders.
Additional Information
Town of Assiniboia
TSS, for and on behalf of the Minister of Environment (“Minister”), has issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) with the objective of obtaining Proposals from Proponents to provide Remedial Services in respect of Scrap Tires located at the Assiniboia Site. Approximately 45.4 million pounds of scrap tires and some processed materials are stockpiled at the abandoned scrap tire processing operations in the Town of Assiniboia. The Assiniboia Rubber Recyclers Inc. ceased operations in February 2014 resulting in the remedial cleanup measure offered for tender.
Interested proponents can find the RFP (Competition #TSS02) and other associated documents on www.sasktenders.ca. All parameters for the RFP process can be found within the RFP document. Responses to the RFP must be delivered within the parameters outlined in the RFP by Thursday July 26, 2018 in order to be considered by the TSS. All amendments and updates to the RFP will be made exclusively on SaskTenders.
Rural Municipality of Eldon
TSS has issued a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) with the objective of obtaining Proposals from Proponents to provide Remedial Services in respect of Scrap Tires located at the RM of Eldon Site. Scrap Tires are stockpiled at the RM of Eldon Site, being the former site of a scrap tire processing operator. The RM of Eldon is in west central Saskatchewan and is north of the Village of Waseca, which is 43 km south east of Lloydminster. The former processor ceased scrap tire processing operations in 2001, leaving approximately 5 million pounds of scrap tires at the RM of Eldon Site.
Interested proponents can find the RFP (Competition #TSS01) and other associated documents on www.sasktenders.ca. All parameters for the RFP process can be found within the RFP document. Responses to the RFP must be delivered within the parameters outlined in the RFP by Thursday July 26, 2018 in order to be considered by the TSS. All amendments and updates to the RFP will be made exclusively on SaskTenders.
BC-based North West Rubber celebrates 50 years of innovation ...
At first glance, tire recycling in Canada may appear to be merely a budding industry. But delve a little deeper and you’ll discover an industry long in the making. Today, pioneers are emerging as the leading force behind a tidal change in tire recycling.
North West Rubber Ltd. (NWR) is a prime example of Canada’s role in driving change. With a presence in both British Columbia and Ontario, the company is a significant consumer of the recycled tire materials processed in both provinces, making it a formidable contributor to the solution for scrap tires.
From its beginning in 1968, NWR has used recycled rubber to create its products – and according to NWR, since recycling was not common in the 1960s, they were faced with many wary purchasers. For that reason, the company initially chose to downplay the recycling aspect of its products. My how times have changed!
In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, NWR picked up buffings (derived from grinding the outer layer of tires in preparation for retreading) and scrap tires from the Pitt Meadows area of British Columbia where they started out. They ground up the materials and manufactured rubber mats which were purchased for use in horse and dairy stalls, ice rinks, gyms, and pick-up truck beds.
Today, the world-wide markets that NWR serves include agriculture, recreational flooring, commercial flooring, playground, pet, construction, industrial, traffic safety, marine, solar, manufacturing, and landscaping. Its products are marketed under the trademarks of North West Rubber, Red Barn (Agricultural), SportFloor (Recreational Flooring), FitFloor, Black Armour, Surehoof (Horse Trailer), and PlayFall (Playground).
NWR’s recycled rubber products are LEED certified. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most prevalent green building certification program in the world.
Arnie Melissen, currently a NWR Director and Shareholder, started with the company in 1969. After 40 years as its President and CEO, Arnie turned over the reins to Leighton Friesen with the goal of gaining a fresh perspective on growing the operation. This forward-thinking move resulted in access to many previously unrealized markets for NWR’s products.
“If I look at how we made mats back then, it took 4 hours to make 5 mats in one press. Even to this day, we’re pushing the limits to see if we can do it quicker and quicker. The fact that you need to keep innovating just to keep progressing is very important. Otherwise, you get stagnant” said Roy DeHaan, NWR’s Technical Director.
Over the years, NWR has grown from a small, regional manufacturer of crude rubber products, to a leading, global recycled rubber manufacturer. In addition to its headquarters and a manufacturing operation in Abbotsford, British Columbia, in 2010 the company opened a new facility in Brantford, Ontario, which has since undergone many expansions. In 2001 they also started producing speciality virgin rubber flooring in Asia.
In June, NWR announced that it will be further expanding by opening a recycled rubber mat manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas in 2019. “There are several factors which drew us to the south-central US: it gives us the ability to better serve our customers in geographic proximity to this location, it allows us to develop new markets that we have not serviced in the past, and it mitigates some of the risks associated with changing regulations in the Ontario market where we operate another one of our facilities. This is an exciting new chapter in our company’s 50 year story!” said President and CEO, Leighton Friesen.
Want more information?
Check out NWR’s 50th Anniversary Video, which details the company’s humble beginnings up to its global presence today.
For information on the Canadian scrap tire recycling programs in which NWR participates, please visit the websites of Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) and Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS).
Manitoba program continues to
develop TDA solutions ...
Tire Derived Aggregate (TDA) has been used in civil engineering projects, mainly as a construction material, for almost thirty years. Given its unique properties such as durability, flexibility and light weight, the variety of its applications has seen significant growth over that time.
For many years, Tire Stewardship Manitoba (TSM) has supported TDA as a viable and sustainable solution for the scrap tires generated in Manitoba. Currently representing about 75% of the final markets for end-of-life tires processed in the province, from an environmental perspective TDA offers a high-volume, cost-effective option. One cubic meter of TDA fill consumes about 100 chipped or shredded tires and depending on the project scope, can require anywhere from 20,000 to a million tires or more.
TDA is typically used to replace other more traditional materials (soil, gravel, clean fill, and lightweight fill such as polystyrene) and offers an economical solution for projects that would benefit from its unique attributes. The broad categories of civil engineering applications for TDA are: Road Construction (embankments, stabilization, retaining walls, edge drainage, road sub-grade, thermal insulation for frost reduction); Septic Construction (absorption trenches); Light-Rail Construction (vibration abatement); Landfill Construction (drainage layer, leachate or gas collection, cover material); and Building Foundations (backfill/drainage).
In recent years, TSM has focused primarily on TDA used in road construction and building foundations:
TSM’s technical report (May 2018) “Tire Derived Aggregate (TDA) for Manitoba Municipal Roads” identifies the road projects completed and highlights the features and costs of TDA compared to natural aggregate.
The final report (June 2018) “Demonstration of the Viability of Using Tire Derived Aggregate (TDA) to Replace Natural Material (NM) in Residential Home Basement” details the specifications and results of this multi-year initiative. With no negative effects identified, the comparative outcomes of TDA were positive in the key areas of heat loss, moisture retention and lateral pressure on basement walls.
“(…) the work we did was very thorough and methodical. It (TDA) is a viable product and can be used effectively” said researcher and report author Shokry Rashwan, Ph.D., P.Eng., Paul Charette-Manitoba Applied Research Chair in Sustainable Construction.
TSM previously also supported a University of Manitoba project using TDA in a rural residential septic system application, and an Honours Thesis assessing the use of TDA in a constructed wetland filtration system of a municipal wastewater lagoon.
When it comes to using TDA, Shokry Rashwan stresses the importance of ensuring that the required standards are met, a lesson learned early on in the TSM backfill study. “Unless the product is made properly with the correct specifications, the results will fluctuate significantly. The installation is critical to positive performance – the notion that you can just dump it (TDA) in is wrong.”
Want more information?
Visit TSM’s website for further studies and reports supported by the Manitoba agency.
For information on other Canadian tire recycling programs and their end markets from processing end-of-life tires, follow the links on the CATRA website.
Government of Yukon finalizes
amendments to tire Regulation ...
The Government of Yukon has announced amendments to its Designated Materials Regulation after an extensive stakeholder consultation process that began in early 2016. The amendments take into account the approaches of established systems in other Canadian jurisdictions and input from Yukoners.
Taking effect on October 1, 2018, the amendments include changes to the categories of tires and surcharges on the sale of new tires sold in Yukon. The previous regulation applied a surcharge only to tires with a rim size of 24.5 inches or smaller, with each tire assigned a flat rate of $5; the amendments add larger tire categories and surcharges that will more closely align with the cost of the tire’s end-of-life management.
The redefined categories and new surcharges are as follows:
Passenger car and light truck tires:
$7 – Tires with a rim diameter of 49.53 cm (19.5 inches) or less for use on cars and light and medium trucks, including multipurpose passenger vehicles such as sport and crossover utility vehicles
Medium truck tires:
$9 – Tires with a rim diameter of greater than 49.53 cm (19.5 inches) for use on larger vehicles licensed for highway use including semi-trailers, transport trucks, buses and trailers
Industrial / off-the-road (OTR) tires:
Tires for use on industrial vehicles or industrial equipment that are not licensed for highway use, including equipment and vehicles for excavation, hauling, loading, logging, and materials handling, but excluding agricultural vehicles and equipment
(a) $40 – Small industrial / OTR tires with a rim diameter of at least 20.32 cm (8 inches) up to and including 60.96 cm (24 inches)
(b) $100 – Medium industrial / OTR tires with a rim diameter of greater than 60.96 cm (24 inches) up to and including 83.82 cm (33 inches)
(c) $200 – Large industrial / OTR tires with a rim diameter of greater than 83.82 cm (33 inches) up to and including 99.06 cm (39 inches)
Specialty, industrial and other tires:
$7 – Tires with a rim diameter of at least 20.32 cm (8 inches) up to and including 60.96 cm (24 inches) for use on vehicles such as skid steers, forklifts and mini-loaders
Recreational vehicle tires:
$5 – Tires with a rim diameter of at least 20.32 cm (8 inches) up to and including 60.96 cm (24 inches) for use on recreational vehicles and trailers, including motorcycles (on and off-road), ATVs, golf carts, lawn tractors, travel trailers and boat trailers
The amended regulation requires all producers of tires to register in order to supply tires into Yukon. The definition of "producer" includes all members of the supply chain such as manufacturers, distributors and retailers.
Surcharges collected on the sale of new tires will continue to be dedicated to the collection, shipping and recycling of the tires, and free drop-off at local depots will remain.
Want more information?
For full details, see http://www.env.gov.yk.ca/air-water-waste/recycling.php.
Questions about registration requirements or the regulation should be directed to the Yukon Department of Environment at 867- 667-5683 or envprot@qov.yk.ca.
USTMA releases 2017
scrap tire report ...
The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA), the trade association for tire manufacturers that produce tires in the U.S., is the American counterpart of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada. The USTMA has 12 member companies that operate 56 tire-related manufacturing facilities in 17 states and generate over $27 billion in annual sales.
The USTMA works with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its other stakeholders to develop markets, reduce scrap tire stockpiles, and implement state regulations that foster sustainable scrap tire markets.
According to the USTMA’s 2017 U.S. Scrap Tire Management Summary, over 81 percent of scrap tires were re-used in products such as tire-derived fuel and rubber modified asphalt. In 1991, when the USTMA first started its efforts to re-purpose scrap tires, only one in ten tires was re-used and there were more than one billion scrap tires in stockpiles. In 2017, there were roughly 60 million tires in stockpiles, a 94 percent decrease.
“Scrap tire management in the U.S. demonstrates an environmental success story – one that not enough people know about,” said Anne Forristall Luke, USTMA President and CEO. “Over the past 30 years, USTMA has worked with state partners to find uses for scrap tires. This success is reflective of the commitment to environmental responsibility from our industry, and we look forward to building on these successes as we work towards our goal of 100 percent of scrap tires reused.”
The USTMA’s scrap tire program will focus on two key areas of growth in the future: tire-derived fuel and rubber modified asphalt. Efforts will include increasing awareness of the benefits of both products.
Molded and extruded products, such as mats, garbage cans, flooring and landscaping, and playground mulch were top re-use applications in the 2017 ground rubber market.
Want more information?
For further information, see the USTMA news article “U.S. SCRAP TIRE MANAGEMENT: AN ENVIORNMENTAL SUCCESS STORY.”
For details on Canada’s end markets from scrap tire rubber, see the 2017 CATRA Annual Report.
Saskatchewan issues RFP for zone-based tire collection services ...
Editor’s note: CATRA is sharing the following News Release on behalf of Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan.
News Release:
Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan (TSS) is moving to a scrap tire zone collection model to increase accountability for timely service to Registered Retailers across the province, while creating efficiencies in transportation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
TSS has just issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) with the objective of obtaining Proposals from interested Proponents seeking to provide Collection & Transportation Services within one or more Collection Zones across Saskatchewan.
Please visit http://www.tssk.ca/ and select “Request for Proposals” for more information. The competition closes October 11, 2018.
Nova Scotia extends program to Bicycle Tires ...
The cost of the new program will be covered by Divert NS, with participation free for both bicycle tire retailers and consumers. The program includes all bicycle tires and tubes except tubular tires, which are glued to special rims. Consumers can return their tires and tubes to any bicycle retailers registered with the program.
Nova Scotia’s used bicycle tires will be shipped to an established tire recycler in New Brunswick. The valve stems will be sold as brass scrap and the bicycle tires and tubes will be recycled into new moulded rubber products such as cow mats.
For details of Nova Scotia’s new program, visit the Divert NS website.
Want more information?
Features of the bicycle tire recycling programs of participating provinces vary. For information on the programs of specific provinces, please visit their individual websites.
Meet CATRA's Chair - November 2018 to November 2020 ...
CATRA is pleased to announce that Brett Eckstein of Manitoba will serve as Chair for the next two years.
Succeeding Jeff MacCallum of Nova Scotia, Brett is Executive Director of the CATRA Member Tire Stewardship Manitoba (TSM), a not-for-profit industry association formed to operate a scrap tire recycling program on behalf of tire retailers in Manitoba.
Brett has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Economics and a Master of Arts degree in International Relations and Canadian Government from the University of Manitoba, as well as a Master of Science degree in Space Studies from the University of North Dakota. Upon graduation, he worked as an aerospace consultant and later served as a Senior Analyst for Manitoba Executive Council’s Policy Management Secretariat and the Sustainable Development Co-ordination Unit.
Brett joined the Pollution Prevention Branch of Manitoba Conservation in 2000 and was responsible for developing and implementing "Manitoba's Sustainable Development Procurement Guidelines" and worked on the province’s Green Strategy Initiatives at Green Manitoba before joining TSM in 2008.
As CATRA Chair, Brett’s emphasis over the next two years will be to continue supporting the growth of each Member’s program through the sharing of information, expertise and resources.
TRAC: Winter Tires Keep Canadians Safer ...
Source: Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (November 2018)
Eighty per cent of winter tire owners believe driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation such as loss of control or a collision, according to a new consumer survey commissioned by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC).
“Canadian drivers who have embraced winter tires have spoken and provided this very telling insight,” says Glenn Maidment, President of TRAC. “They confirmed what we already know—that the superior performance of winter tires has a place in Canada, and that their greater grip and significantly shorter stopping distances on all cold-weather road surfaces keep Canadians safer on winter roads.”
TRAC’s 2018 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study also found that 76 per cent of Canadian motorists now use winter tires. In comparison, TRAC’s 2017 study found 66 per cent of drivers were using winter tires.
Excluding Quebec, where winter tires are required by law, winter tire usage stands at 70 per cent. Last year’s study found 60 per cent of drivers were using winter tires outside Quebec.
This surge in winter tire usage is reflected in winter tire shipments across Canada, which have grown at an annualized rate of four per cent over the past five years. The significant increase in winter tire use is great news because it means our wintertime roadways are safer than ever as Canadians embrace the safety and performance advantages of winter tires.
The top motivations for purchasing winter tires, include: winter tire laws (34 per cent); advice from family and friends (17 per cent); lower auto insurance premiums (11 per cent), and positive media coverage (seven per cent).
“At 17 per cent, advice from family and friends represents a major driver when it comes to drivers switching to winter tires,” says Maidment. “So, we can effectively link the increases in winter tire utilisation directly with people sharing their positive experience with winter tires.”
Regionally, the 2018 study found:
The most common reasons why three-in-ten drivers still resist winter tires are the belief that all-season tires provide enough traction (53 per cent), cost (18 per cent) and reduced driving in winter (15 per cent).
Full survey results are available at www.tracanada.ca.
The superior performance of winter tires is the result of advanced tread designs and rubber compounds. Winter tires feature softer tread compounds that retain flexibility even in extremely cold conditions. At temperatures at or below 7 degrees Celsius, the traction capabilities of winter tires provide greater grip on all cold-weather road surfaces and significantly shorter stopping distances.
In Quebec, provincial research shows universal winter tire use results in a five per cent reduction in road accident injuries and a three per cent reduction in deaths and serious injuries. (Source: Quebec Winter Tire Report, 2011)
Want more information?
Follow TRAC’s BE TIRE SMART program on its website or any of its social channels (Twitter, Facebook, Google+ or YouTube).
Cleanup Planned for Abandoned Tires in Assiniboia ...
Released on December 18, 2018:
The Ministry of Environment and Saskatchewan’s scrap tire recycling program operator, Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan (TSS), are moving forward with a plan to address the long-standing issue of abandoned scrap tires in Assiniboia.
The Assiniboia Rubber Recycling plant closed in February 2014, leaving behind 6,678 tonnes (14.724 million pounds) of scrap tires and processed materials. The facility went into receivership in July 2014.
TSS issued a Request for Proposals earlier this year to dispose of scrap tires at the site, as well as determine the cost of cleaning it up.
“Any contaminated site in Saskatchewan becomes a risk to public health and safety if not managed properly,” Environment Minister Dustin Duncan said. “Our government is committed to securing a better quality of life for all Saskatchewan people. To help meet that commitment, the Ministry of Environment is taking steps through The Environmental Management and Protection Act, 2010 to address the cleanup of abandoned scrap tires in Assiniboia to ensure public safety.”
The project will be funded by the Government of Saskatchewan and overseen by TSS. Without financial assistance from the provincial government, TSS would not be able to complete the project and the site would continue to pose health and safety concerns to the Town of Assiniboia.
“TSS is pleased to move this initiative forward, as it was identified as one of our top priorities,” TSS Board of Directors Chairperson Colin Fraser said. “By working collaboratively with the Ministry of Environment, we will be able to help remediate the Assiniboia site. This project has been a long time coming, and we are pleased to play an active role in the solution.”
“I am pleased to join my colleague Minister Duncan in this important announcement today that will help protect the community of Assiniboia,” Agriculture Minister and Wood River MLA David Marit said. “I thank the community members for their support and co-operation as we work with stakeholders to clean up these tires.”
Cleanup of the site is expected to be completed in 2019. An announcement regarding the successful proponent will be made at a later date.
“The town is very pleased with this announcement, as this issue has been very concerning for council, administration and our greater community,” Assiniboia Mayor Bob Himbeault said. “We are looking forward to a successful resolution.”
For more information, contact:
Corey RhiendelOUR 2017 PROGRAM STATS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ...
Check out the PROGRAMS page for 2010 to 2017 performance highlights, which are presented nationally and by member province.
The Canadian Association of Tire
Recycling Agencies is pleased to announce the admission of eTracks Tire
Management Systems as the new CATRA Member for the province of Ontario.
With new legislation implemented in
Ontario under the Resource Recovery and Circular
Economy Act, 2016 (RRCEA), eTracks and other new organizations have
emerged to replace Ontario Tire Stewardship, the previous manager of Ontario’s
scrap tire program and former CATRA Member.
To date, there are six new Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs)
registered with Ontario’s Resource Productivity Recovery Authority
(RPRA) - eTracks is the largest PRO and is
working with leading tire manufacturers and an extensive network of service
providers to create a sustainable tire management system in the province of
Ontario.
Incorporated by the Tire and Rubber
Association of Canada (TRAC), eTracks works with its customers to responsibly
manage and recycle end-of-life tires and help them meet their legislative
obligations under the RRCEA.
CATRA looks forward to working with eTracks
as the full Member for Ontario, and potentially with other Ontario PROs as
Affiliate members.
Want more information?
To contact eTracks, or for additional
information about the new Member, visit https://etracks.ca/ or call them at
1-844-387-2257 (eTRACKS).
Tire Recycling Fees across Canada – updated Summary published ...
The Canadian Association of Tire Recycling Agencies (CATRA) has updated its summary of “Tire Recycling Fees by Province by Tire Type” effective January 2019. The update reflects the change in CATRA’s Ontario Member to eTracks Tire Management Systems from Ontario Tire Stewardship.
A Tire Recycling Fee or TRF is the fee collected by a provincial tire stewardship organization to ensure that the tire will be managed responsibly at the end of its useful life (i.e. diverted from the landfill for recycling).
The updated summary is available on the CATRA website in both English and French.
Want more information?
The TRF summary is prepared by CATRA for general information purposes only. Information on both the responsible stewards and the actual TRFs to be remitted is available from the individual tire stewardship organizations.
Alberta Recycling announces new CEO ...
Alberta Recycling recently announced the engagement of a new Chief Executive Officer. Edward Gugenheimer replaces Doug Wright, with whom the Canadian Association of Tire Recycling Agencies (CATRA) worked since its inception over two decades ago.
Ed holds a Chartered Professional Accounting (CPA) designation and has over 25 years of experience in fiscal governance and management. His experience is diverse and includes C suite roles in both finance and operational capacities and more recently has been challenged to lead organizations in an executive capacity. He has a strong background in the real estate sector as owner operator and his employment background includes companies like Cadillac Fairview, Alberta Investment Management Company (AIMCO), Edmonton Northlands and Sinclair Supply. For each role he was tasked with the development of strategy, building effective teams and optimizing operations to successfully support Board direction.
Ed’s position with Alberta Recycling commenced on March 20, 2019. He can be contacted at 1.888.999.8762 or by e-mail: EGugenheimer@albertarecycling.ca
CATRA wishes Doug Wright the best in his retirement and looks forward to working with Ed as Alberta continues to set an example of the achievements possible in recycling program management.
Want more information?
Information about Alberta Recycling and the other CATRA Members can be accessed through the CATRA website at https://www.catraonline.ca/members
TRAC 2019 Tire & Rubber Summit coming in June ...
The Tire & Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) has announced details of its 2019 Tire & Rubber Summit. The event takes place in Toronto on June 11 and 12 and provides the opportunity to network with industry experts while discovering the latest advancements in the tire and rubber industry.
“Driving to the Future” is the theme of the summit, focusing on industry developments in technology, innovation, regulation and economics from a Canadian perspective. Speaker topics range from autonomous vehicles, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics, to the issues and challenges that impact business performance and markets.
The Program-at-a-Glance is now available for review. Refer to the Tire & Rubber Summit webpage for additional information and to access online registration.
Want more information?
Founded in 1920, TRAC is the national trade association representing the interests of tire and other rubber manufacturers and importers of rubber goods into Canada, together with rubber recyclers and suppliers whose goods or services directly relate to the industry. Find out more by visiting TRAC’s website.
CATRA issues 2018 Annual Report ...
CATRA is pleased to announce the publishing of its 2018 Annual Report.
Introduced by Brett Eckstein, CATRA's current Chair, the report features significant member achievements both in 2018 and cumulatively since the inception of their programs.
Building on our 2018 successes, 2019 is set to be another year of achievement and growth – full of opportunities for CATRA to support its members as they work closely with their respective governments to carry out their environmental and economic responsibilities.
The 2018 report is available on CATRA's website in both English and French.
Want more information?
Questions or comments about the 2018 Annual Report or any other aspect of CATRA can be submitted at http://www.catraonline.ca/contact
Recycle NB announces New CEO ...
The Board of Recycle NB recently announced that Mr. Frank Leblanc has been hired as its new CEO.
Mr. Leblanc has an extensive background in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and stewardship program development. He has many years of experience with the Department of Environment and Local Government from 1999 to 2014 in Enforcement and Recycling programs.
He has worked on the beverage container program and tire stewardship program as well as the EPR programs for paint, oil and glycol and electronic recycling.
Recently, he has been with the Department of Public Safety in their General Investigation Unit where he helped the department meet and exceed their business plan targets.
The members of CATRA look forward to working with Mr. Leblanc in his new role. CATRA also wishes a happy retirement to Recycle NB’s outgoing CEO, Pat McCarthy.
Want more information?
Statistics on tire collection and recycling for Recycle NB and the other Canadian programs are available on CATRA’s website.
8th Scrap Tire Recycling Conference coming in December ...
Scrap Tire Markets in a Sustainable Circular Economy is the focus of the upcoming conference hosted by The Scrap Tire Research and Education Foundation, Inc. (STREF), the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and the South Carolina Department of Commerce. It will be held December 4-5, 2019 in Greenville, South Carolina.
Recognized as a valuable opportunity for industry leaders, regulators and stakeholders to review key developments in scrap tire management, this year’s conference will explore emerging trends in circular economy and scrap tires, and the challenges and opportunities for existing and potential markets for scrap tires including rubber modified asphalt, micronized rubber powder, tire-derived fuel, civil engineering markets and emerging markets like pyrolysis and devulcanization.
For details including the preliminary agenda and conference registration, visit http://stref.org/events.
Want more information?
STREF is a non-profit research foundation established to support basic and applied research and appropriate educational activities on issues relating to the sound handling and utilization of waste or scrap tires. You can reach STREF at http://stref.org/contact.
The USTMA is the national trade association for tire manufacturers that make tires in the U.S. Visit the USTMA’s website at https://www.ustires.org/about-us.
Check out the RECYCLING DATA page for 2010 to 2018 performance highlights, which are presented nationally and by member province.
CATRA is issuing this statement in response to a January 14, 2020 article by a writer with the Canadian Press. The article contained many erroneous statements regarding the state of tire recycling in Canada and regrettably, it was shared by at least 70 news outlets across the country.
The Canadian Press article focused on a new tire recycling technology developed by researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. CATRA commends this noteworthy achievement which is of significant interest to many of CATRA’s member recycling agencies. Our members always seek out opportunities for new and higher value uses for scrap tires and are encouraged to learn of this recent development.
Where the article fails is in several inaccurate anecdotal comments by the head researcher with respect to Canada’s tire recycling industry in general. Below is CATRA’s statement to correct those inaccuracies.
Article: Most tires end up in landfills.
No. Through the efforts of the recycling programs of CATRA’s member agencies, annually there are about 450,000 tonnes of end-of-life tires recycled, for a national diversion rate exceeding 100%. At a provincial level, this rate is also maintained by Ontario where the research project occurred.
CATRA defines ‘diversion rate’ as the tonnes of Tire Derived Products (TDP) created + the tonnes of Tire Derived Fuel (TDF) consumed, divided by the tonnes of scrap tires collected. Examples of TDP and TDF are provided later in this statement.
This 100% diversion rate demonstrates that all scrap tires collected are turned into either TDP or TDF on a continuous basis. Combined with the fact that virtually all scrap tires available for collection are actually collected, there are no known stockpiles of significance in Canada. This is further supported by the limited number of complaints received by the member agencies with respect to the scrap tire collection services provided. Canada is recognized as a – if not the – world leader in collection and diversion performance.
Very few scrap tires go into a landfill. This has been the case for many years. While most provinces do not have an outright ban on landfilling tires, any tires received there are normally set aside by the landfill operators for pickup by processors in the provincial programs.
Article: The massive fire that burned for weeks in a pile of 14 million scrap tires near Hagersville, Ontario, roughly three decades ago is an example of the potential dangers.
No. The 1990 Hagersville tire fire referenced in the article was the impetus for implementing Canada's scrap tire programs, beginning with British Columbia's program in 1991 and the other provinces following in short order.
The types of stockpiles that existed in 1990 are not tolerated by any member agencies, nor are they likely to occur given the ongoing demand for scrap tires for use in end products. Further, the working inventories of the scrap tire processors in each province must meet local and provincial government rules with respect to storage, and some provincial programs also limit the volume of tires permitted in a processor's working inventory.
Article: There is really no good way to deal with scrap tires - a small proportion of tires are ground up to use in playgrounds or asphalt.
No. As already stated, all scrap tires collected are turned into marketable products or fuel. Up to 95% are turned into TDP which includes crumb rubber, molded products, tire derived aggregate (TDA), mulch, steel and blasting mats. The remainder are used as an alternative to fossil fuels, mainly in cement kilns.
Industry performance details are available in the CATRA 2018 Annual Report. The 2019 report is currently being prepared and will demonstrate the continuation of Canada's exemplary performance. Further, the CATRA website includes both national and provincial statistics on tire collection and diversion since 2010, along with other valuable information on the landscape of Canada’s tire recycling industry.
In closing, for current and accurate information on tire recycling in Canada, CATRA always welcomes questions from anyone interested both nationally and globally. The contact form on the CATRA website is available for that purpose.
CATRA Reflects on Canada’s Significant Progress in the Tire Recycling Industry ...
As a new decade begins, the Canadian Association of Tire Recycling Agencies (CATRA) reflects on the immense strides made in Canada’s tire recycling industry since the first provincial program launched in 1991.
Over the past three decades, CATRA’s members have focused on building a robust tire collection and recycling sector. Annually they now collect and recycle over 450,000 tonnes of tires, diverting 100 per cent of the provincially regulated tires away from landfills. This is achieved through relationships with numerous scrap tire processors and manufacturers located across the country. In 2018, approximately 60 per cent of collected tires were processed into high value products such as rubber crumb and molded rubber. The remaining 40% of the material was processed primarily for industrial applications.
“Our members have taken a product that was once considered waste and successfully turned it into everything from recreational surfaces to new products for the automotive and manufacturing sector” said Bob Ferguson, Program Manager of CATRA. “Used tires now have a long life after they leave a vehicle.”
Where it all Started
In the 1990s, provincial governments faced the important challenge of designing effective strategies to ensure the proper management of scrap tires in their jurisdictions. Following consultations with participants of the existing industry, Canada’s foundation for sustainable tire recycling began with the introduction of tire legislation in British Columbia and the launch of its program in 1991. Manitoba and Alberta followed in short order and by 2000, all provincial programs were well underway except Yukon (2003) and Ontario (2009).
In 1999, the provincial programs recognized the value of information sharing and CATRA was established as an informal organization to facilitate cross-country discussions and an annual meeting on matters of common interest. In 2018, CATRA was formalized as a joint venture, reconfirming its vision of a strong partnership that is committed to a clean environment by enhancing value for its members and creating a sustainable, positive value for end-of-life tires in Canada.
Contributing to the New Economy
CATRA’s members have effectively turned what was once a wasted resource into an economic asset. Beyond the positive effect on Canada’s environment, members are impacting the national economy through a combined annual investment of over 160 million dollars which, in addition to jobs, supports contributions for community grants, research and development and consumer education.
Tire recycling in Canada has also been a factor in shaping industries in the areas of crumb rubber, molded products, tire derived aggregate and tire derived fuel. These industries help ensure that end-of-life tires contribute to the economy through the development of new products that are marketed both domestically and abroad.
CATRA and its members have restated their commitment to evolve as they continue to pave the way towards a sustainable industry that benefits all Canadians.
CATRA is pleased to announce the publishing of its 2019 Annual Report.
Introduced by Brett Eckstein, CATRA's current Chair, the report features significant member achievements both in 2019 and cumulatively since the inception of their programs.
Building on our 2019 successes, 2020 is set to be another year of achievement and growth – full of opportunities for CATRA to support its members as they work closely with their respective governments to carry out their environmental and economic responsibilities.
The 2019 report is available on CATRA's website in both English and French.
Want more information?
Questions or comments about the 2019 Annual Report or any other aspect of CATRA can be submitted at http://www.catraonline.ca/contact
Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan (TSS) is currently seeking an Executive Director. Interested parties can check out the attached job posting for details of the position and qualifications required.
Responses to TSS are required by August 19, 2020 and should be directed to contactus@tssk.ca
TRAC Appoints New President & CEO ...
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) has announced the appointment of Carol Hochu as incoming President & CEO.
Ms. Hochu brings a lifetime of experience and successful track record of leading Canadian associations and non-profit organizations. Most recently, she led the Canadian Plastics Industry Association as President and CEO for nearly a decade, and prior to that she served as Executive Director of the Ontario Electronic Stewardship.
“I’m honoured to take on the position as TRAC’s new President,” Ms. Hochu said. “TRAC is a well-established Canadian association in a vital global industry, and I look forward to leading the organization and working with TRAC’s Board of Directors, members and stakeholders on all technical, environmental, and regulatory matters.”
Tony Mougios, Chairman of the Board, said Ms. Hochu brings the perfect balance of executive association experience and understanding of issues that are critical to TRAC, its membership and the industry, and that she will make a great impact delivering on TRAC’s mandate.
Ms. Hochu will officially join TRAC at the end of September and will work with current President Glenn Maidment for a three-month transition period.
Want more information?
To learn more about TRAC, visit https://www.tracanada.ca
Ontario Member eTracks Recognizes its Top Service Providers for their support ...
eTracks Tire Management Systems recently marked an important milestone by successfully completing one year of operations under Ontario’s new end of life tire regulation and Individual Producer Responsibility (IPR) model. Under the model, the not-for-profit organization works on behalf of its clients, the majority of Ontario’s major tire producers, automakers and tire distributors, to help them fulfill their regulatory requirements under the new legislation.
Commemorating this milestone, eTracks formally recognized the significant contributions made by its extensive service provider network. Special Awards of Excellence were presented to some of eTracks’ top service providers following an extensive evaluation process.
See eTracks’ full press release published on August 19, 2020 for more details.
Want more information?
To learn more about eTracks, visit https://etracks.ca/ or call them at 1-844-387-2257 (eTRACKS).
New Executive Director named for Saskatchewan program ...
The Board of the Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan Inc. (TSS) is pleased to announce Stevyn Arnt as its Executive Director starting September 28, 2020. Stevyn will manage the TSS office, oversee implementation of the new TSS Product Stewardship Program (PSP), and be a key contact for industry, TSS registered retailers, contracted service providers and program stakeholders.
Mr. Arnt holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Manitoba and is trained in Lean Six Sigma. Recently, he held leadership positions with the Global Transportation Hub and the Ministry of Economy, and previously worked in the private sector with Agrium (now Nutrien) and Viterra.
Want more information?
If you would like to reach the new Executive Director, please contact the TSS office at (306) 790-1894 or contactus@tssk.ca and he will respond once he starts. Mr. Arnt’s contact information will be available on the TSS website on his start date.
Survey aims to dispel myths and misinformation about Ontario’s tire recycling program ...
Results show most Ontarians agree purchasing recycled products helps
combat climate change: eTracks
A recently released survey conducted by eTracks Tire Management Systems — a company that works on behalf of tire producers to meet their regulatory obligations of recycling tires — is looking to dispel the myths and misinformation about the tire recycling industry, and with good cause: the survey revealed that only one third (37 per cent) of Ontarians know that, in Ontario, tires are recycled. The survey also found that nearly half (49 per cent) of Ontarians do not know whether tires are recycled or thrown into landfills. The good news is 81 per cent agree that purchasing recycled products helps to combat climate change.
“Regardless of some of these knowledge gaps and myths, it’s encouraging to know Ontarians want to help the environment,” said Steve Meldrum, CEO of eTracks Tire Management Systems. “And while the survey shows that knowledge of the tire recycling industry is mixed, there’s an opportunity to use these results as a tool to change perceptions and help eliminate misinformation. More people could help combat climate change if they purchased recycled tire products after recognizing the high standards for recycling and knew more about the kind of products produced using recycled tires.”
For details of the survey results, see eTracks’ full news release published on September 9, 2020.
Want more information?
To learn more about eTracks, visit https://etracks.ca/ or call them at 1-844-387-2257 (eTRACKS).
The Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan (TSS) is seeking qualified companies to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the provision of scrap tire processing (recycling) services in Saskatchewan.
TSS is a non-profit organization that is the approved program operator for scrap tire management and recycling activities in Saskatchewan. In operation since September 1, 2017 as a Product Stewardship Program (PSP), TSS manages operational details on collection, transportation, and recycling of scrap tires.
The Request for Proposal for Scrap Tire Processor in Saskatchewan document can be downloaded here. For more information contact Stevyn Arnt, Executive Director, by e-mail at Stevyn.arnt@tssk.ca or by telephone at 306-550-8634.
CATRA is pleased to announce the release of its 2020 Annual Report.
In introducing the report, Brett Eckstein, CATRA's current Chair, speaks to the resilience that members demonstrated throughout a challenging year of pandemic impacts. As strongly as ever, the report shows how members continue to be global leaders in the tire recycling industry by committing to robust data collection and analysis, and expanding scrap tire diversion opportunities through innovation, technology, stakeholder outreach and collaborations.
By all indicators, 2021 is set to be another year of achievements in Canada’s tire recycling industry. CATRA looks forward to acting on opportunities that ensure that knowledge is shared, and efficiencies and other benefits are delivered to members. Ultimately, this enhances each member’s ability to deliver on environmental and economic responsibilities for their respective governments.
The 2020 report is available on CATRA's website in both English and French.
Interested in more information?
Questions or comments are welcome about the 2020 Annual Report or any other aspect of CATRA. Go to http://www.catraonline.ca/contact.
The Canadian Association of Tire Recycling Agencies (CATRA) is pleased to announce and welcome Steve Meldrum, CEO of eTracks Tire Management Systems, the Ontario Member for CATRA, as the incoming Chair of CATRA's Management Committee and its Board of Member Representatives. To this role that is effective immediately, Mr. Meldrum brings his strong management skills to lead a five-member committee from across Canada for a two-year term to oversee and guide CATRA strategic direction, operations, and projects. The Board also extended appreciation to the outgoing Chair, Brett Eckstein of Tire Stewardship Manitoba (TSM) who generously gave his expertise and leadership to the role from 2019-2021.
About CATRA
Formed in 1999, CATRA (Canadian Association of Tire Recycling Agencies) is committed to growing Canada’s recognized leadership in collecting end-of-life tires and deriving positive value from them. Members benefit from sharing of information, expertise, and resources that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of their programs. The organization continues to evolve as a singular Canadian voice for both national and international tire-related issues.
The Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB), responsible for recycling in Newfoundland and Labrador, has issued a Request for Proposal for Used Tire Management Services (Reference RFP#202122UTP) in the interest of engaging a processing company to receive and process used tires in the province. The RFP closes at 4 p.m. (NST) on Wednesday, February 2, 2022. To receive a copy of the tender document, please contact Glenda Melvin by email, gmelvin@mmsb.nl.ca or by phone at 709-753-0955.
ARMA Announces New Board Chair.....
The Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) recently announced that Brad Pickering has been named as their new Board Chair as Caroline McAuley steps down after serving for four years. In his new capacity as Chair of ARMA, effective January 1, 2022, CATRA welcomes Mr. Pickering to its Board of Member Representatives where he will contribute to the oversight of CATRA activities and governance. CATRA thanks Ms. McAuley for her years of service on the Board as well as her participation on the Management Committee.
More information is available on the ARMA website.
eTracks Tire Management Systems launched its Sustainable Recovery Platform (eSRP) to over 6,500 Ontario tire collection sites, 100 service providers and over 50 producers. As a not-for-profit organization, eTracks provides Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) services to the Ontario tire manufacturing industry by managing their end-of-life tire recycling obligations under the Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act (RRCEA). eSRP will help to improve the way Producers and PROs are able to manage recyclable materials and regulatory compliance; and drive a more sustainable, circular economy. Read the full press release here.
The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure of the Government of Prince Edward Island takes pride in designing and establishing safe and efficient roads and highways on Prince Edward Island. One mandate of the department is to deliver a program for the collection and final disposal of tires to serve the people and businesses of PEI. As part of delivering on this mandate, the Government of PEI has become a new member of CATRA. Chief Engineer for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, Stephen Yeo, brings 17 years of experience to the role. Stephen is also the 2023 Local Arrangements Committee chair member for the Canadian Asphalt Association.
Tire Stewardship Manitoba (TSM), a Producer Responsibility Organization that operates Manitoba’s tire recycling program, announced that effective March 17, 2022, Ken Essex was appointed by the Board of Directors to serve as Board Chair. Mr. Essex replaces Glenn Maidment who has served as a Director and Chair since TSM incorporation in 2006. Mr. Maidment who retired last year as President of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) also had his TSM Director position filled by new TRAC President, Ms. Carol Hochu. Read the full press release here.
CATRA is pleased to announce the release of its 2021 Annual Report.
Steve Meldrum, CATRA's Chair as of November 2021, introduces the report by speaking to how he has embraced his new role with CATRA and sees ongoing potential in the organization. The report goes on to show how members, collectively and individually, continue to be global leaders in the tire recycling industry. They do this through robust data collection and analysis, and expanding scrap tire diversion opportunities through innovation, technology, stakeholder outreach and collaborations.
2022 is already revealing that it will be another year of achievements in Canada’s tire recycling industry. For its part, CATRA will pursue opportunities that ensure that knowledge is shared, and efficiencies and other benefits are delivered to members. Ultimately, this enhances each member’s ability to deliver on environmental and economic responsibilities for their respective governments.
The 2021 report is available on CATRA's website in both English and French.
Interested in more information?
Questions or comments are welcome about the 2021 Annual Report or any other aspect of CATRA. Go to http://www.catraonline.ca/contact.
eTracks Tire Management Systems will be issuing an RFP, available May 16, 2022, related to the recycling of end-of-life tires to qualified, north American service providers. This RFP is to support eTracks as a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) under Ontario’s Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act (“RRCEA”) and the Tires Regulation (Reg 225/18). Services are for a four-year period beginning in 2023. More information on what a submission requires is available on the eTracks website.
Organizations interested in receiving the bid package must email RFP@etracks.ca before noon ET, May 16th, 2022. The deadline for submitting a response to the RFP is 2 p.m. ET, June 27, 2022.
Dan Hockensmith of Scrap News engages with CATRA Chair, Steve Meldrum, about the ways in which CATRA supports its members and addresses their common needs while respecting differences in how provincial programs are structured and delivered. Read the recent Scrap News interview with CATRA Chair, Steve Meldrum.
The Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan (TSS) is seeking qualified companies to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the provision of scrap tire collection services in Saskatchewan. The closing date is November 3, 2022.
TSS is a non-profit organization that is the approved program operator for scrap tire management and recycling activities in Saskatchewan. In operation since September 1, 2017 as a Product Stewardship Program (PSP), TSS manages operational details on collection, transportation, and recycling of scrap tires.
The Request for Proposal for Scrap Tire Processor in Saskatchewan documents can be downloaded here and here. For more information contact Stevyn Arnt, Executive Director, by e-mail at Stevyn.arnt@tssk.ca or by telephone at 306-550-8634.
Tire and Rubber Association of Canada Opens Nominations for 2023 Industry Leadership Awards...
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC; www.tracanada.ca) is accepting nominations for its 2023 Industry Leadership Awards. The awards recognize outstanding individuals and companies for their dedication and commitment to excellence in the tire and rubber industry, including end-of-life tire management businesses and other businesses focused on sustainability. There are four award categories including Leader of the Year, Young Leader, Lifetime Achievement, and Sustainability.
Refer to TRAC’s news release for more information including how to submit a nomination before the April 21, 2023 deadline.
CATRA is pleased to announce the release of its 2022 Annual Report.
CATRA Chair, Steve Meldrum, introduces the report by speaking to how CATRA continues to deliver on initiatives that strengthen our industry – through the sharing of industry information and other collaborative activities. He also highlights the effort that CATRA has made over the last year to focus on key areas from which all members can derive real value regardless of the distinct differences that exist from one program to the next.
Readers are always interested to see how our key data points measure up from one year to the next. The 2022 report illustrates that once again, Canada is a leader in diverting scrap tires from landfill and overseeing their conversion into useful products that serve multiple markets.
The 2022 report is available on CATRA's website in both English and French.
Climate Change is a Driver in Winter Tire Uptake in Canada....
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) recently issued the results of a Canada-wide survey on winter tire uptake in Canada, including key regional findings. One key finding is that changing weather patterns due to climate change are an influencing factor. The highlights of the survey are available on the TRAC website as well as advice for the purchase of winter tires. Survey results specifically for Quebec are available in French.
Swedish Tyre Recycling Launches End-of-Life Research Portal
Swedish Tyre Recycling (SDAB) has launched the "End-of-Life Tyre Research Portal" (ELTRP), the world’s first research portal for recycled tire rubber. This innovative platform collects scientific facts about recycled tire rubber from around the world and is free to use and access. ELTRP is designed to tackle the perception and questions surrounding recycled tire rubber, providing comprehensive resources for industry professionals, policymakers, media, and the public.
Members of Canadian Association of Tire Recycling Agencies (CATRA) are positioned to be contributors to this new resource platform. To date, eTracks Tire Management Systems (Ontario) has submitted their most recent Scrap Tire Life Cycle Assessment study. This study was done as part of a larger collaborative project led by CATRA. Learn more.
Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan Chooses Northern Processor....
Tire Stewardship of Saskatchewan (TSS) is pleased to announce that, after a full competitive process, Crumb Rubber Manufacturers Ltd (CRM) has been chosen as the successful proponent for the northern tire processing contract. To improve efficiency and program costs, once up and running, TSS will now have two locations for processing scrap tires in the province, one in Moose Jaw, and this second location serving the north.
TSS will immediately begin negotiations with CRM on a contract. Once a contract is secured, CRM will start development on a new tire processing facility in the Saskatoon area.
For more information visit here.
The CATRA Management Committee is pleased to confirm that Ed Gugenheimer, CEO of Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA), has been named as the new CATRA Chair for a two-year period (2026-2027). Every two years the CATRA Host Province rotates among the 10 provincial members. The CEO of the Host Province becomes the CATRA Chair, and responsibilities include Chairing the CATRA Management Committee. The outgoing CATRA Chair, Steve Meldrum, held the position for 3 years and CATRA Members would like to thank Steve for his valuable contributions to the organization.
The Board of eTracks Tire Management Systems has recently announced the appointment of Doug Harrison as Acting Chief Executive Officer. eTracks is one of several Producer Responsibility Organizations in Ontario with its main business as recycling and re-purposing tires in Ontario.More information about eTracks is available at https://etracks.ca/Doug Harrison has broad experience in the tire industry including manufacturing and distribution. We welcome Doug to our CATRA team and wish him all the best in his new role!CATRA Management Committee