Revolutionising Automotive Container Recycling: New Plastic Baler Enhances Capacity in Delta

Interchange Recycling, a non-profit organisation dedicated to the collection and recycling of used oil, antifreeze, and automotive containers in British Columbia, has announced a significant development. Their long-standing partner, Safety-Kleen Canada Inc., has recently installed a cutting-edge plastic baler in Delta.

This latest addition is poised to revolutionise automotive container recycling rates not only in British Columbia but also throughout Canada. With the capacity to process over 500,000 kilograms of automotive plastic annually, this innovative baler is the first of its kind in the province. It is designed to handle increased consolidation with other automotive and industrial liquid packaging from various regions in the country.

David Lawes, CEO of Interchange Recycling, has expressed his enthusiasm for the expanded collaboration with Safety-Kleen Canada Inc. He highlighted the collective efforts made over the past two decades to divert used oil, oil filters, and used antifreeze from landfills. With the introduction of this new infrastructure, their partnership has broadened to include the collection of automotive containers. The current annual recycling rate of 1.7 million kilograms of automotive plastic containers in British Columbia is expected to significantly increase with the implementation of the new plastic baler. The recycled containers will be reintroduced into various industrial sectors and landscaping, contributing to the circular economy in North America.

The installation of the plastic baler in Delta is in line with Canada’s shift from a linear “take-make-dispose” approach to a more sustainable circular system. By managing automotive containers at the end of their intended lifespan, the baler prolongs their use and reintegrates them into the production chain for the creation of new products.

Sam Glofcheskie, Regional Vice President of Safety-Kleen Canada Inc. – Bulk Product and Services, has underscored the necessity for new infrastructure to process plastic locally. With only approximately nine per cent of plastic waste being recycled in Canada, there is an urgent need to address this issue. The new baler has not only generated employment opportunities in the province but has also strengthened the partnership with Interchange Recycling. Most notably, it signifies a substantial step towards establishing a circular system in the automotive industry in British Columbia. The plastic baled at the Delta facility will be transported to the RPM eco-processing facility in Quebec for recycling and eventual reuse as new products.

This innovative initiative represents a significant advancement in enhancing automotive container recycling capacity. The collaboration between Interchange Recycling and Safety-Kleen Canada Inc. is an admirable example of addressing environmental issues while contributing to the economy. It serves as a shining example of how the integration of advanced technology can drive positive change in sustainability practices. The future certainly looks brighter with the introduction of this pioneering plastic baler in Delta.