Environment Minister helps launch used antifreeze materials recycling program
On March 27, Environment Minister Ken Cheveldayoff poured the first container of used antifreeze into a 205 litre drum at Crown Shred & Recycling in Regina. The occasion marks the start of Saskatchewan's latest recycling initiative that includes used antifreeze, plastic antifreeze and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) containers.
"Used antifreeze is toxic; dumping it can cause serious water quality problems and harm people, pets and wildlife," said Minister Cheveldayoff.
"It's estimated that over two million litres of used antifreeze are generated each year in Saskatchewan. The used antifreeze materials, now part of the provincial used oil materials program, will all be recycled and reused. Recycling antifreeze materials is cost effective, saves resources and protects our quality of life and environment."
The addition of used antifreeze materials increases the list of recyclable petroleum products managed by the Saskatchewan Association for Resource Recovery Corp. (SARRC). The Association currently operates the provincially-approved, industry-led stewardship recycling program for used oil, used oil filters and used plastic oil containers (up to 50 litres).
"We're ready to begin accepting used antifreeze materials." said Phil Wrubleski, Executive Director, SARRC. "There are 35 purpose-built EcoCentres* located throughout the province ready to accept these materials along with the regular used oil materials. And we will be expanding the number of collection points over the months to make it easier for farmers, small businesses and do-it-yourselfers to recycle."
To fund the program, effective April 1st, SARRC's 180 members will add an Environmental Handling Charge (EHC), similar to that on new petroleum products, to the price of antifreeze (concentrate & pre-mix); antifreeze containers (up to 50 litres) and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) containers (up to 50 litres). The EHC is not a government tax but a user-pay levy, the sole source of funding for the recycling program.
SARRC manages the industry-led stewardship recycling program for used oil, antifreeze, filters and plastic containers in Saskatchewan.
The organization says the program benefits the province in that it: promotes and facilitates the recovery of valuable, non-renewable resources as well as protects the environment by diverting these toxic materials from landfills and inappropriate areas such as fields, ditches and water courses. The program also creates new business and job opportunities in Saskatchewan, and provides a single, comprehensive, cost-effective, sustainable and province-wide program in harmony with similar programs in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Quebec and New Brunswick.
For the locations of the nearly 200 collection points and materials accepted, or information on how the program works, its members, registered collectors/processors, visit www.usedoilrecyclingsk.com,
http://mobile.usedoilrecyclingsk.com or call toll free 1-877-645-7275.
