THE PULSE
NEWSLETTER OF THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF RECYCLING INDUSTRIES
Vol. 25, Issue 7, July 2020
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
CUSMA AMENDMENT BODES WELL FOR NORTH AMERICAN RECYCLERS
It’s a refreshing change to be able to share some good news for our industry in a time of considerable uncertainty.
First, the Canada US Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) that replaced NAFTA on July 1 created no big changes for our industry. Any development that can offer a sense of stability is highly welcomed right now, particularly when it involves our largest trading partner.
Also, an amendment added to CUSMA in the last week of May could offer future benefits for the scrap industry. The amendment requires that 60% initially and eventually 70% of the total steel and aluminum used in vehicle components be sourced from North American suppliers to qualify as tariff-free. Scrap processed in North America is North American content.
The positive effects won’t be felt immediately, but this regulation should increase demand for domestic supply of steel and aluminum for vehicle manufacturing. Our material is already essential to the North American auto manufacturing industry and will now be even more vital to their supply chain.
Along with our partners at ISRI and Mexico’s National Institute of Recyclers (INARE), CARI advocated for the recycling industry throughout the NAFTA negotiations. We will continue to represent the industry’s interests and to monitor the effect CUSMA may have going forward.
Kevin Santoro
CARI Chair
CHINA’S NEW SOLID WASTE LAW COMES INTO FORCE SEPTEMBER 1
China’s new “Law on the Prevention and Control of Environmental Pollution by Solid Wastes” will be implemented on September 1. In keeping with their previously announced plan to cease all solid waste imports by the end of this year, the Law includes a provision to “realize zero imports of solid waste” and makes shippers liable for non-compliance.
In January, the Chinese government approved the recategorization of high-grade copper, brass, and aluminium scrap as “recycled raw materials” that would not be subject to import restrictions. However, the new standards for these materials that were expected on July 1 have been delayed. Until new HS codes are issued for these materials, they remain subject to the current quota system.
CARI strongly advises that members ensure their Chinese customers are license-holders and are fully compliant with all regulations.
FREE WEBINAR WILL HELP LAUNCH ONTARIO MATERIALS MARKETPLACE
CARI members are invited to attend a webinar on August 26 at 3 pm EST for the launch of the Ontario Materials Marketplace (OMM), a web-based marketplace designed to connect the province’s industrial, commercial and institutional sector (IC&I) with the recycling sector.
Transactions facilitated by the OMM will be measured and tracked. Recycling companies can use the marketplace to identify new customers and new buyers for collected/processed material.
To register for the launch webinar, click here.
FAST FACTS
- The Canada Council of Ministers of the Environment on Economic Recovery have released the second and final phase of the Canada-wide Action Plan on Zero Plastic Waste.
- In late July, the Climate Change Branch of the British Columbia Council for International Cooperation (BCCIC) launched a policy and research report: Comparing Current Plastic Waste Policies in Canada and China. The report aims to inform and support efforts across Canada to improve plastics management.
- In early July, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) submitted detailed comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposed Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines. Among the comments were recommendations for separate EPA rule-making that clearly defines recycling and related terms and for increased purchases of recycled products by government to stimulate recycling and to divert more end-of-life materials from landfills.
French