Niagara EcoGlassCatherine Habermebl

Acting Director

Waste Management Services

Niagara RegionHalifax, Nova Scotia

April 16, 2008

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Niagara RegionSouthern Ontario between two Great Lakes (Ontario and Erie) the Niagara region is a very diverse municipality.

Covers 1896 sq. km (715 sq. miles), is made up of 12 unique and distinct local municipalities.

Varying from the larger populated cities with their urban intensive features to more rural or natural area settings.

High seasonal population - host more than 12 million visitors / year

Population – over 400,000

Niagara’s Recycling Centre

Region’s own its own MRF– 100,000 sq feet building located on a brownfield site, located in

Niagara Falls– Purchased the property in 2003– Space to include other waste management services/facilities– Approx. 50,000 tonnes processed on one shift– Afternoon maintenance shift

Contract operations to Niagara Recycling– Operator for the Region since 1996– Not for profit organization– Employ 60 employees at the Recycling Centre

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BackgroundOne of the greatest challenges facing recycling programs today is the collection and processing of glass containers. The method of processing recycled glass results in higher maintenance costs, higher residue rates, higher sorting costs and reduced revenues. Previously, process costs were approximately $30/tonne cost (net). Following system initiation, a net profit of approximately $20/tonne has been realized. Approximately 2,600 tonnes of glass were lost annually to residue (landfilled).

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In 2004, the Niagara Region partnered with Niagara Recycling on a venture to turn glass processing and marketing into a revenue generating program.

Through extensive research and testing, Niagara Recycling developed a sophisticated glass plant design that incorporates proven grinding, screening and contamination separation technology.

Stewardship Ontario contributed over $100K to this project.

Background cont’d.

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The new plant has been operationally since late-2005 and has undergone a number of other improvements in order to further enhance the quality of the finished product for the end users.

In 2007, Niagara Region purchased Glass Recycling System

Niagara Recycling receives a management fee based on annual net revenues.

EcoGlass Plant

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Glass TonnesThe Niagara Region generates approximately 4,000 tonnes of glass / year.

The plant has the capacity to process 10 tonnes per hour, or approximately 15,000 tonnes per year on a single shift.

In 2007, Niagara Recycling received approximately 2,176 tonnes of 3rd party glass, including IC&I delivered source separated.

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The mixed broken glass passes through a pre-cleaning process where metal, large plastics, fibre and other contaminants are removed.

The glass is then fed into a primary grinder for initial sizing. The ground glass is discharged onto a scalping screen which removes large contaminants such as corks, plastics and large labels.

The screened glass is then directed into a natural gas dryer to reduce moisture levels.

The dry glass is then conveyed to a multi-deck screening system that generates five sizes of crushed glass products.

EcoGlass Process

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The larger glass particles are transferred to a secondary glass grinder which further crushes the glass into fine sizes.

The finished sizes are a 10-20, used for filtration, 20-35, 35-60 and 60-80 sizes used for abrasives, and a “superfine” used as an addition for concrete.

Process cont’d.

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The finished products are either packaged in plastic 50 lb bags or into 3,000 lb supersacs.

Dust collection hoods are located at all points where dust is generated. The dust collector residues which includes paper are sent to a local landfill.

This represents approximately 15% of the total throughput.

Process cont’d.

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MarketsA long term marketing agreement has been secured with an Ontario-based firm.

Sandblasting applications.

“Niagara Ecoglass” is currently being distributed in Ontario, Quebec, New York and Michigan.

Ecoglass is also being tested in water filtration for industrial purposes.

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It is safe to use as it contains no silica and no heavy metals

It is a cost effective, environmentally friendly alternative to other products on the market. ( less 25% less material required)

Over 20% less time required than other abrasives on the market

According to the end users, takes 5 times as long to flash back to rust

Produces less dust during the sandblasting process

Benefits

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Funds received by Niagara Recycling are directed back to the community to fund programs and services for developmentally challenged adults and are also invested in recycling related projects.

Region is in control of its own destiny for glass.

This process is one of many that Niagara Region’s Waste Management Services is utilizing to help meet the aggressive 65%waste diversion target by 2012.

Niagara is the only recycling facility in Ontario that manufactures a finished product for retail. This type of foresight and leadership will ensure that Niagara remains one of the most cost-effective and pro-active recycling programs in the province.

Benefits

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Glass Recycling Open House

The Glass Recycling Open House took place June 28, 2007 at the Niagara Recycling plant, with approximately sixty attendees. The open house received tremendous press coverage and has initiated a number of opportunities for Niagara Region.

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Thank you!