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Indicator Type: Stewardship
This indicator shows the annual rate of hazardous waste recycling in Alberta from 1991 to 2005. Hazardous wastes include a wide range of compounds that are classified by toxicity, acidity, flammability, ability to corrode other materials, and other characteristics. A wide range of waste chemicals, obsolete pesticides, metal sludges, and PCB's are examples of some compounds classified as hazardous waste. Hazardous recyclables include compounds such as used oil and lead acid batteries.
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Trend: Deteriorating
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What does the indicator show?
This indicator shows a decrease in the percentage of hazardous waste being recycled. Note that single projects that involve large quantities of waste for disposal can influence the numbers. For example, a large project in 1995 affected the percentage for that year. When a large chemical manufacturing plant went out of service in 2000 and 2001, it also affected the numbers for those years. The indicator shows a downward trend in the percentage of hazardous waste recycling. However, the total quantity of material recycled is increasing (see figure). Over 150,000 tonnes of hazardous waste were recycled in 2005.
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Why is this indicator important?
Hazardous wastes require special attention. This is because they are harmful to the environment, or may threaten human health and safety. Some of this waste is treated and disposed at the Alberta Special Waste Treatment Centre in Swan Hills. However, recycling is another option. Recycling is a good approach because it creates new useful products and materials. This indicator helps in developing targets or goals for diversion or recycling. It also helps to track the reasons behind increases in hazardous waste.
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What actions are being taken?
Alberta has a comprehensive regulatory framework for hazardous waste management. The province also currently has a wide network of 60 facilities that handle hazardous waste and hazardous recyclables. The Alberta Special Waste Treatment Centre in Swan Hills is the only hazardous waste treatment facility in the province. In addition, there are two Class 1 landfills than can landfill hazardous waste, plus a wide array of operators involved in storage, transfer, and hazardous waste processing (barrel reconditioners, used oil recyclers, etc).
Policy and strategies are currently being developed under a comprehensive provincial Waste Strategy through the Waste Action Plan for hazardous and non-hazardous waste. The Alberta User Guide for Waste Managers is being updated. Revisions to the Waste Control Regulation are being reviewed for future implementation.
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Links to additional information
More about hazardous waste in Alberta - Alberta Environment: http://www3.gov.ab.ca/env/waste/rr/index.html
Alberta Special Waste Treatment Centre: http://townofswanhills.com/aswt.html
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Feedback
E-mail the SOE Coordinator: SOE.Coordinator@gov.ab.ca or complete this short on-line questionnaire to provide your feedback: http://www.zoomerang.com/
survey.zgi?p=WEB224DW6P3E2K.
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