The Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) has unveiled a new technology, which will improve Niagara region's ability to divert waste from landfills and manufacture products out of recyclable material.
Niagara Region is claimed to be the first municipality in Ontario to install the new technology at its recycling facility.
The polystyrene foam will compress large volumes of polystyrene foam, which is collected from both curbside in the blue box and regional drop-off depots, into dense and stackable blocks that can be turned into new products such as picture frames, decorative mouldings and office supplies.
Densifier technology will help to reduce number of truckloads used to transport the densified foam material for recycling.
Through using near infrared technology, the fibre optical sorting system will effectively detect and separate different types of recyclable materials such as newsprint, cardboard and plastic.
Niagara Region chair Alan Caslin said: "This new technology will enhance Niagara's reputation as a leader in recycling by decreasing the amount of materials going to landfills and enabling us to produce higher quality recyclable material with higher market values.
“It further demonstrates Regional Council's commitment to the environment, and our willingness to invest in innovative new technology that will reduce costs for Niagara residents."
Niagara Region Waste Management offers waste management services to Niagara's residents and businesses.
The services include curbside collection of garbage, recycling and organics with the support of two regional landfills, recycling centre, three permanent household hazardous waste facilities and three material drop-off depots.
