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Encorp's monthly newsletter Forum, is provided for Encorp contractors & stakeholders to communicate the latest in what's new in the world of beverage container recycling.
Recovery Trend - First Quarter 2010
For the three-months ending March 31, 2010 Encorp collected and recycled 241.1 million containers, 0.5 million more containers than during the same period of 2009, a 0.2% increase. Total sales of containers in the first quarter of 2010 decreased by 5.6 million or 5.3% lower than during the same time period last year.
Below is a graph comparing the volume of containers collected and recycled by month.
Recovery Rates for Aluminum, Plastic Up to 1 Litre and Drink Box
During the first quarter of 2010, 0.7 million fewer aluminum cans were collected by the Return-It system for a recovery rate of 93.2% (89.1% in 2009).
Over the same period, 1.4% or 0.9 million more Plastic < 1L containers were recovered to bring the total recovery rate of 84.2% (70.8% in 2009).
A total of 18.3 million drink boxes were collected in the first quarter of 2010 – a decrease of 0.1 million units or 0.6% - compared to the same time period last year.
Author: E. Zevakhina
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Processing Used Plastic Beverage Containers
In 2009, 372 million plastic bottles were recycled and made into new plastic bottles and buckets in BC - but how?
Once collected from consumers, used plastic beverage containers are transported from the depot to a processor where they are baled. These 100% recyclable containers are then shipped to the plastics recycler where the bales are opened and sorted by colour and resin type.
There are 7 types of plastics:
- No. 1 - PET - Polyethylene/Terephthalate
- No. 2 - HDPE - High Density Polyethylene
- No. 3 - PVC - Poly Vinyl Chloride
- No. 4 - LDPE - Low Density Polyethylene
- No. 5 - PP – Polypropylene
- No. 6 - PS – Polystyrene
- No. 7 - Other - Other resins
After sorting, each of these 7 types of plastic, each of the different types are processed separately.
Each type is chopped, washed and heated to a malleable consistency. The plastic is then cooled but still kept soft, screened for impurities, extruded through a die and then cut into pellets. When finally cooled, the pellets are cooled and either bagged or boxed for shipping to end users.
Depending on the end user requirements, the plastic can also be shipped in flake form. Alternatively, it can be ground or blended to meet user specifications. Examples of the types of products recycled plastic include: fleece clothing, oil containers, plastic chairs, and carpets.
The recycling of Encorp's used plastic beverage containers is done by Merlin Plastics, a local British Columbia company.
Author: W. Sit
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BCBDA Disputes Settled
In April 2010, Encorp and the BCBDA have settled two legal disputes. Both parties agreed that it was a compromise settlement of the disputed claims and it was made without any admission or finding of liability by either party.
The first matter concerned the Funding Agreement on the deduction and payment of membership dues; the second matter concerned the amount outstanding from BCBDA resulting from the Certificate of Costs pronounced regarding the right of arbitration. Both have now been settled. There are no outstanding legal claims between Encorp and the BCBDA.
Author: B. Chan
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Return-It Electronics: Launch of Phase II
Preparations are underway for the introduction of the Phase II products.
Approximately 18 months ago, the Provincial Government introduced an expanded list of products that are to be regulated in stewardship programs. Part of this expansion will now include many new audio and visual device options.
Encorp Pacific has been working with other programs across Canada in the coordination of the introduction of Phase II products.
New Products effective July 1st:
These products will include:
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Personal/Portable Audio/Video Playback and Recording Systems
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Home Audio/Video/Video Playback and/or Recording Systems
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Home Theatre Systems, excluding TVs and Monitors
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Non-Cellular Telephones and Answering Machines
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Miscellaneous Cords and Accessories from above acceptable products only
** A detailed list of acceptable products can be found in the new Operations Manual which will be distributed to the collection sites shortly.
As a reminder all collection sites must send back an initialed contract addendum by June 15, 2010 or pickups for the new products may not be carried out for July 1, 2010.
New Operations Manual:
The new Operations Manual will be updated to include pictures and descriptions of all new program-acceptable products along with pictures of all non-compliant materials that are not acceptable in the program. In addition, we will be sending out laminated, bound flip booklets to show customers by picture what is acceptable in the program and what is not.
New Signage and Customer Brochures:
New signage and customer brochures will be sent out to all collection sites. These will be distributed to all collection sites approximately mid-June.
When you receive the new material, please REMOVE ALL OLD COLLECTION SITE MATERIAL AND SIGNAGE as these materials will be out of date.
Please return out of date plastic signage to your local transporters for recycling. If you have any questions about this please feel free to contact Tyler Garnes or Linda Park at Encorp.
Also, all old brochures MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE SITE as they will also no longer be representative of the products available for collection in the program and the Environmental Handling Fees (EHFs) information may not be correct. Please ensure they are properly recycled.
Estimated Volumes:
In developing the EHFs for Phase II products, it was estimated that the projected volumes of electronics to be collected would increase approximately 30%. When combined with the growth on the Phase I materials already being collected in the 20% + area, the potential additional amount of material is quite substantial.
As such, it is important that all collection sites be as organized as possible with their products. Pick up of Phase II products will be coordinated with pickups for all Phase I products. All new Phase II products are to be packaged along with Phase I peripheral products in the new “E Bag” sort. Note: The Electronic Movement Authorization will be changing from Peripherals to become “E Bag” products.
Contacts and Questions?
Collection Sites that have questions on products for Phase II you may contact Doug Merrier at 604-473-2430.
Transporters and Consolidation Sites may contact Tyler Garnes at 604-473-2410.
Author: T. Garnes
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2nd Annual Return-It Depot Open House
Potential Depot Owner/Operators
The Regional Operations team at Encorp Pacific held its 2nd Annual Return-It Depot Open House on Wednesday, April 21st, 2010 at the Coquitlam Return-It Depot.
As we continue to struggle with locating and opening new Return-It sites or simply relocating an existing depot in metropolitan and urban areas, especially in the Metro Vancouver neighborhoods, we hope to alleviate some of the concerns by opening our doors. It was an opportunity for Encorp to share its vision with potential entrepreneurs, realtors, city officials, consumers and current operators.
We had over fifty interested parties attend including realtors and leasing agents inquiring about Encorp and the recycling industry. for the Return-It concept. Amongst some of the attendees were realtors and leasing agents inquiring about Encorp and the recycling industry. Return-It Depots have evolved both esthetically and operationally over the last decade and we’re determined to showcase our vision of growing with the fast-moving metro and urban areas of the Province. The event was a great success and we look forward to next year’s Return-It Depot Open House event.
Author: K. Beck
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Handling Fee Panel
We have received four responses to our Request for Proposal (RFP) to conduct a study, in cooperation with the Handling Fee Panel of depot operators, to develop a “model depot(s) financial statement”. The four proponents that will be interviewed by the panel during the first week of June include BDO Dunwoody, KPMG, Deloitte and Intergroup.
If you require additional information regarding the panel, or on the handling fee protocol, please feel free to contact us.
Author: B. Chan
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Revised Glass Audit Procedures Update
On March 15, 2010, the revised glass audit procedures were implemented to limit the allowable amount of broken glass in mega bags to 15 kgs. Before the new procedures were implemented it was noted that the amount of excessive broken glass particles found in the audit bags were  in excess of 20 kg, 30 kg, and 50 kg with extremes exceeding over 100 kilograms.
In the last Forum Newsletter, it was stated that the percentage of audited glass bags with excessive broken glass particles exceeding 15 Kg was 43%. Unfortunately, even after another memo was sent, the percentage remained unacceptably high at 37%. Since the new procedures have been implemented, breakage has been reduced to about 20%. Great job!
There is always room for improvement so please keep up your efforts to handle all glass with “care”. It will increase the level of safety for your staff and customers and reduce the noise level in the Depot.
Author: A. Lo
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Depot News
New Depot Locations
Columbia Bottle Depot - St. Paul Street
Clare Cassan is a depot owner/operator who has been part of Encorp Pacific’s bottle depot system for over 15 years. He currently owns three depots in the city of Kelowna.
The newest location, Columbia Bottle Depot – St. Paul, is located at 1314 St. Paul Street. This new location illustrates Clare’s commitment and dedication to providing a customer friendly location for recycling beverage containers.
Congratulations to Clare and his hard working staff for all their efforts in creating a great depot experience for all of their customers.
Author: D. Merrier
Bottle Depot - Glanford
D’Arcy and Marla Hipwell, along with their Manager Kelly Gorman and dedicated staff, have opened the doors to Victoria/Saanich’s newest Return-It depot. The Hipwell family have been residents of Victoria for over 30 years. They celebrated 15 years of being in the recycling industry by opening the largest depot facility in the Capital Regional District!
This depot has an enclosed sorting area, equipped with tables and a hand-wash station. The parking lot provides ample parking spaces for all of their Return-It recyclers. As customers drive along Highway 17, they can’t miss the depot as it is clearly branded with the Encorp colors and Return-It logo.
Congratulations to the Hipwell family and their dedicated staff for taking the chance and making many huge changes.
Author: K. Beck
 
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Real Estate
Looking for Real Estate?
The future can be filled with many plans of how to improve your depot. If you are planning to  relocate, it is highly recommended that you contact your Regional Operations Manager prior to hiring a realtor. Based on experience, we will be able to assist you with common landlord issues such as reluctance to having a depot on their property. With our help you will be fully equipped with the right approach for dealing with landlords and property managers. This will greatly increase your chances of acquiring a new lease. Your Regional Operations Manager would be happy to assist you with your future strategic plans.
Please contact us at 604-473-2421 for more information.
Author: J. Zuijdervelt
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Orwak Program Update
We have completed the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympics project of compaction of plastic bottles during the 2010 Games. Now that this is completed, 15 Orwak machines will be rolled out to 11 locations across the Lower Mainland by the end of June 2010.
During the next three months we want to evaluate the impact Orwak compaction has on depot operations, transportation and network infrastructure. At the end of this period we will complete a report and analyze our findings.
Phase II rollout will include locations that ship product long distances to processors. This will improve our carbon footprint by reducing the number of trips to processors.
Author: D. Merrier
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Eco Depots in British Columbia
Metro Vancouver and some other cities and municipalities have circulated communications on the concept of “Eco Depot”, “Eco-Centers” or “Recycling Super-Depots”. The idea is to create a one stop drop-off where residents could bring yard waste, kitchen scraps, as well as the full range of accepted blue box recyclables. This system would also accept items such as; used paint, tires, batteries, used oil, beverage containers and electronic recyclables that residents would normally have to take to several different depots contracted by industry stewardship agencies such as Product Care, ESABC, Used Oil Management Association, Tire Stewardship, Encorp etc.
This concept was developed by the Metro Vancouver staff and Encorp was not directly consulted. While Encorp has now made preliminary contact with Metro Vancouver; there is not enough information to properly evaluate this concept. However, we have informed Metro Vancouver officials of Encorp's contractual obligations to the network of depot operators. We will keep you informed as new developments occur.
Author: B. Chan
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"Don't Mess With Karma" is Back!
Why mess with a good thing?!
Our previous "Don't Mess With Karma" campaign had generated an incredible consumer response so we felt that the best way to promote the recycling of drink box, aluminum and plastic beverage containers was to reuse the Karma strategy but to freshen it up with brand new creative. This approach will allow us to reach a mass audience while they are 'out and about' consuming these types of beverages on transit, walking or driving.
To further reinforce the message, we integrated other medias such as television, online pre-roll, radio, in-store shelf talkers, transit and office tower elevator advertising, Return-ItTM  Man appearances and advertorials to create a consistent campaign for each container type.
- Plastic Bottles Karma "Gym" campaign dates: Week of May 31 - week of July 19, 2010
- Aluminum Cans Karma "Golf" campaign dates: Week of July 26 - week of August 30, 2010
- Drink Box Karma "Swing" campaign dates: Week of September 6 - week of October 25, 2010
We are extremely pleased with the creative and are confident you will be happy with the results. You may view all the new spots in our Marketing Portfolio.
Enjoy!
Author: J. Hogendoorn
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Brand Registry
McDonalds Juice Cups
Over the past few months we have received calls from customers of McDonald's Restaurants about Return-It Depots refusing to accept the 177ml polystyrene cups for the deposit refund. These polystyrene cups are sold exclusively at McDonald's Restaurants.
 
(Acceptable Product)
Please be reminded that these containers are registered and have been part of the Return-It system for over 10 years; these polystyrene cups should be accepted for deposit refund at all Return-It Depots. As with all polystyrene cups, the foil lid should be partially attached to the cup in order to verify it is a registered product.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Manny Sahota at manny@encorpinc.com or (604) 473 2419.
Author: M. Sahota
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Brand Registry Important Product Update
Please be reminded that the following products are no longer refundable for deposit effective December 1st, 2009:
These products are to be collected as part of the voluntary Return-It Milk program as milk substitute containers.
Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Manny Sahota at manny@encorpinc.com or at 604-473-2419.
Author: M. Sahota
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End-of-Life Electronics Audit Program
The end-of-life electronics audit program, which began in March 2010, will audit for compliant materials such as; computers and peripherals, television, flat screens, and monitors. After July 1, 2010, the audit will also include the Phase II compliant materials.
The audit program is based on random selection. At the recyclers, the auditor will randomly select a number of pallets (10%) throughout different shipments from each consolidation site by category: CPU, peripheral (or E-Bag), and TV/flat screens/monitors.
Audited pallets will be checked for the supplier code, weight, shrink wrapping quality and all non-compliant material will be documented. This is a general audit to ensure the system is collecting the proper end-of-life electronic products. When necessary, the next level of audit will include specific collection sites.
As the Return-It Electronics program continues to expand, the end-of-life electronic audit program will develop further.
Author: W. Sit
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Reminders to all depots
Depot Conference & Depot Information
Depot Conference - Register Now!
This is the first year that attendees can register online for the Annual Depot Conference. The great new feature allows for easier, faster registration and modifications. You can register simply by signing into the Depot Operators' Intranet.
If you require assistance with the registration process please contact Charlene Chan at 604-473-2421 or via email at charlene@encorpinc.com.
Depot Information
It is of utmost importance that depots notify Encorp Pacific of any depot changes, such as hours of operation, phone/fax number, address, ownership, legal name or ‘doing business as’ name and so forth. Encorp tries to maintain our website for customer convenience and it is vital that all depot information is accurate.
Should your depot wish to change your hours of operation, please note that you must meet your minimum hours of operation standards, as indicated in Schedule B of your Depot License Agreement, Amended Depot License Agreement, or Container Supply Agreement. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.
If you change any depot information, please ensure that you contact Charlene Chan at 604-473-2421 or via email at charlene@encorpinc.com.
Author: C. Chan
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Milk Container Recycling - 1st Quarter 2010
Participating Encorp depots recycled 148 tonnes of milk containers during the first quarter of 2010; an increase of 51% compared to the same period in 2009.
Below is a graph comparing the volume of milk containers collected and recycled by material type.
Author: E. Zevakhina
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School Program Update
The Encorp School Recycling Program continues to amaze!
With another year nearly in the books, the school recycling program has eclipsed the 4 million containers collected for the fourth straight year. Here at Encorp, we are sure the participating  schools appreciate all the efforts you have put in to help your local schools recycle their empty beverage containers. So far this year they have been able to raise over $270,000 in deposits which are a big help to schools during times of cutbacks and deficits. The money raised through the school program has done a wonderful job funding the schools in many different ways: from field trips to supplies to fundraising for other causes.
For complete container amounts and scores for each school registered in our program please visit www.return-it.ca/youth
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Manny Sahota at manny@encorpinc.com or at (604) 473 2419.
Author: M. Sahota
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Small Things Can Really Add Up!
 Encorp would like to share with you the following story about a friend of ours and her efforts to organize a bottle drive in Cultus Lake, BC.
Carol Guthrie-Kolins organized a bottle drive during Cultus Lake's Regatta Weekend in 2009. Thanks to the 4 hour community effort, 8,300 beverage containers were collected and kept out of BC landfills and they raised over $636.00 for their cause. Carol plans to do another bottle drive at Lyndell Beach, Cultus Lake, during Regatta Week 2010 July 31 - August 2. They hope to do even better this year and have set their fundraising goal at $1,000.
Author: J. Hogendoorn
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Depot Supplies and Uniforms
Blue Crates, Version 2
The new and improved Version 2 blue crates have proved to be a great success in quality and durability. Many of the operators that are using this version have given Encorp Pacific very positive feedback.
If your depot is not using these new blue crates, you should order them while quantities last. The inventory is getting low and you do not want to miss out!
Depot Uniforms – New T-Shirts
The old Gildan blue shirts are no longer in stock; however, a new shirt has been ordered and will be available for purchase as of May 31, 2010.
This stylish navy blue, dri-fit T-shirt is available in assorted sizes in men’s and ladies’ fit. The dri-fit material is made with light weight micro-fiber that is specifically designed to draw moisture away, keeping you cool and comfortable. Added anti-microbial treatment prevents the increase of bacteria and keeps clothes odor free.
To order any depot uniforms or supplies, please use our online Supply Outlet.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Charlene Chan at 604-473-2421 or via email at charlene@encorpinc.com
Author: C. Chan
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Meet the Encorp Staff
Teresa Dungan joined the Encorp team on March 10, 2010 as the Electronics  Registry/Customer Service Representative. Teresa comes with experience in customer service and accounting and she is presently working towards her accounting degree at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.
Please join us in congratulating Teresa on her new position and extend her a warm welcome to the Encorp team.
Author: E. Zevakhina
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