Recycling construction waste a road to green economy: klein
New businesses and jobs will spring up around concerted efforts to recycle construction, renovation and demolition (CRD) waste, Environment and Climate Minister Kevin Klein says.
Klein announced on June 9 a task force to explore ways Manitoba can move toward greater recycling of CRD waste materials, diverting them from landfills and producing new products for use in a variety of ways.
The task force is co-chaired by Colleen Sklar, Executive Director of the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, and Chris Lorenc, MHCA President & CEO.
The CRD Task Force will include participation from the City of Winnipeg, Association of Manitoba Municipalities, Winnipeg Construction Association and the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association, and has been asked to submit a report with recommendations to the Manitoba government in the fall.
In 2021, the provincial Waste Diversion and Recycling Framework Review identified that construction, renovation and demolition products are the second largest waste stream in Manitoba, representing an estimated 20 to 30 per cent of total waste.
The announcement was held at the aggregate recycling yards of Rocky Road Recycling, which produces recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) for use in road works and other uses. The heavy construction industry has been recycling aggregates for the better part of two decades now.
“Our industry is looking forward to sharing its experiences and innovations, including in the recycling of concrete aggregates, asphalt, shingles, water used in the production of aggregates, steel rebar and the likes,” Lorenc said. “The models we’ve read about in use in other countries, provinces and municipalities can be used to guide our best efforts here in Manitoba – we have some Canadian examples where by necessity there is aggressive recycling of construction materials.”
Sklar noted that Manitoba has one of the lowest rates of CRD material recycling, and that concrete, especially, has great potential for reuse.
The benefits of recycling align with the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region’s draft Plan 20-50, which will establish a regional approach supporting waste minimization, diversion and recycling.
“Building resiliency in our region is a key objective in Plan 20-50,” said Sklar. “This starts with improved data sharing and good working relationships across all levels of government, which ensure sound decision-making and an environment of trust.”
