The PULSE January 2020

THE PULSE

NEWSLETTER OF THE CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF RECYCLING INDUSTRIES

Vol. 25, Issue 1, January 2020

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

Flawed legislation puts onus on recyclers to curb metal theft

Late last year, Alberta’s Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Identification Act, which passed in 2013, was proclaimed. Alberta scrap dealers were sent a letter at the end of November in anticipation of regulations for the Act, requiring that they immediately report suspicious material to law enforcement. Of course, possession of stolen property is already a crime and recyclers already report suspicious material.

CARI and our Alberta members have been actively working with government representatives and fellow stakeholders for several years to improve this Act. The recent activation of this long-in-the-works legislation is another unfortunate example of lawmakers placing the onus on recyclers to curb metal theft.

In 2018, the Alberta government reviewed the legislation and concluded the Act required substantial amendments, if not repeal and replacement. They identified a number of concerns, including how the Act as written does not have the support of stakeholders. The review also recognized the complexity of metals theft, noting how “No single strategy can address all the facets of the problem.”

CARI supported the idea of amendments to the Act but raised strong objections to how the recommendations once again placed the responsibility on scrap metal dealers. “The recommendations as written,” we cautioned, “would create an Act to regulate the scrap metal recycling industry, not an act to combat metal theft and protect critical infrastructure.”

As it stands, the Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Identification Act does not address the issues with mobile operators, the need to create a separate offence of interfering with critical infrastructures, or the need for training and new resources for law enforcement. CARI is disappointed that the province has elected to move forward with the existing legislation rather than address the faults and omissions they identified.

Regulations stemming from the legislation are expected early this spring, and CARI will continue to advocate strongly to mitigate the burden they place on recyclers.

Matt Zubick
CARI Chair

CARI MEMBERS RECEIVE 40% DISCOUNT ON ISRI CONVENTION

All CARI members who are not ISRI members are urged to take advantage of the 40% discount they can receive on registration for the 2020 ISRI Convention and Expo, the biggest annual event in our industry.

This year’s convention will be held in Las Vegas, April 27 to 30.

CARI has been issued a discount code that our members can apply during the online registration process. Members should contact CARI’s Donna Turner for the required discount code.

NASCO-OP ANNOUNCES PATRONAGE DIVIDEND FOR 2019

The National Association Supply Cooperative (NASCO-OP) recently declared a 1% patronage dividend for 2019. Factored into purchases that members or associate made at the cooperative, the dividend further reduces the purchase price of supplies and equipment.

NASCO-OP is the recycling industry’s purchasing co-operative. Benefits are available at no additional cost to members of ISRI, CARI, ARA, and NDA. For more information, visit nascoop.com.

SEVERAL TRANSPORTATION LABOUR AGREEMENTS TO EXPIRE IN 2020

The Freight Management Association of Canada recently shared a list of major transportation labour agreements that are set to expire in 2020.

Notably, CN Rail has no agreements expiring in 2020 but CP Rail has two agreements expiring as of December 31, 2020.

Click here to view the complete list.

ISRI SHARES SAFETY TIPS FOR WINTER DRIVING

The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) recently shared the following safety bulletin on winter driving.

Driving on Black Ice

Black ice thrives in areas where there isn’t much direct sunlight, like tunnels or tree-lined residential roads. Bridges, overpasses, and the roadways beneath overpasses form ice patches quickly. If pavement looks darker or more reflective than usual, you may be driving on black ice.

If you encounter black ice on a roadway, resist that immediate reflex to act fast, and regain control. The best thing is to do nothing. If you’re currently braking when you hit the ice, stop braking; if you’re accelerating, lift your foot completely off the throttle, and keep your steering wheel fixed in its current position. Normally ice patches on the road are relatively small, so try coasting in your desired direction.

Some additional safe driving tips that will help you this winter:

  • Buckle up before you start driving. Keep your seat belt buckled at all times.
  • SLOW DOWN – Posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds is the best precautionary measure against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads.
  • Steer with smooth and precise movements. Changing lanes too quickly or jerky steering can cause skidding.
  • Stay in the right-hand lane except when passing, and use turn signals when changing lanes
  • Be patient and pass other vehicles only when it is safe to do so
  • If driving conditions become severe, consider getting off the road before getting stranded

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