Recycling: Retire Your Ride program has proven to be an effective way to get rid of old vehicles and make some money at the same time.
We all know that driving a gas-guzzling, smog-belching car is bad for the environment.
But have you ever stopped to wonder how much damage that old clunker can do when it gets packed off to the wreckers?
Consider this: Most vehicles built before 2003 contain a neat little gadget called a “mercury switch” that controls the light in the trunk. On average, each of those switches contains .85 grams of mercury.
And how toxic is mercury?
According to Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association executive director Steve Fletcher, it takes just one gram of mercury to contaminate a 20-hectare lake — and render its fish inedible — for an entire year.
“We’ve pulled about 100,000 of those mercury switches out of vehicles since the program began,” Fletcher says.
The program Fletcher is referring to is called Retire Your Ride. Started in 2009 and set to end March 31, the federally-funded program has safely recycled about 120,000 vehicles from across Canada.
By offering cash incentives to consumers ($300 cash or up to $490 off the price of a new vehicle), and by working with accredited recyclers, the program aims to save the planet one car at a time.
“We’ve prevented the release of thousands of tonnes of smog-forming emissions . . . so we’ve been making a big impact on air quality,” says program director Rebecca Spring. “And by making sure the vehicles are responsibly recycled, we’ve been able to prevent the release of (toxic) liquids, fluids, oils, anti-freeze and mercury from entering into the environment.”
To qualify for the program, a vehicle must have been made in 1995 or earlier, and been on the road and insured for the past six months.
During a demonstration of the recycling process at Corey Auto Wreckers on Gore Rd., some surprising facts emerge. For example, a recent study conducted by BC AirCare tested 133 1995 model year or older vehicles and found that, on average, these older vehicles were 39 times more polluting than vehicles manufactured since 2004.
And here’s another eye-opener: More than 80% of an entire vehicle by weight can be reused, remanufactured or recycled.
Of course, not all auto wreckers dispose of their old cars conscientiously. But inventory manager Dan Edgar points out that every vehicle is responsibly recycled at Corey Auto Wreckers. Indeed, the program resulted in two new jobs at the east-end yard.
At Corey Auto Wreckers, all the fuel, antifreeze and washer fluid is reused in the company’s own vehicles. And while 30 or 40 years ago automobile oil was regularly spread onto gravel roads to keep dust down, today the oil is collected and often re-refined into a synthetic blend, or used to fuel kilns and boilers.
So far, more than 920 vehicles have been responsibly recycled through the Retire Your Ride program in the London area.
If you want to do the right thing with your old clunker, you can learn more details at www.retireyourride.ca.
Ian Gillespie, London Free Press
Friday, January 14, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Fate of Your Vehicle
How to ensure your old clunker doesn’t become an environmental hazard.
It’s probably not something you’ve ever thought about, but where you take your vehicle when it reaches the end of the road can make the difference between an environmental disaster and a model of environmental responsibility.
The truth is, not everybody handles end-of-life vehicles (ELV) and vehicles that have been in accidents the way they should. Steve Fletcher, Executive Director of the Ontario Automotive recyclers Association (OARA), has heard some of the horror stories.
With many automotive recyclers, trying to extract the most value from an ELV by cutting environmental corners is unfortunately a growing practise. “Our members, however, follow a very strict code of practice in the way they handle a vehicle. They spend a lot of money to build and maintain facilities that are specially designed to capture and store potentially harmful operating fluids and other toxins such as mercury and lead. We keep all of that stuff contained and prevent it from contaminating the soil and groundwater. The technicians who do the work are trained to follow a methodical process that maximizes the amount of material that can be reclaimed and minimizes the environmental impact,” says Fletcher.
The problem, Fletcher explains, is that not everybody follows the same protocol or plays by the same rules.
“We know of some scrap operations who buy cars just to crush them and sell them for the value of the metal. They don’t drain anything and they don’t do anything to protect the environment. And when metal prices are high like they are now, those guys really come out of the woodwork.”
Fletcher says their members remove an average of 40 litres of potentially hazard-ous fluids from each vehicle, as well as lead, mercury and ozone-depleting gases. “All the oil, gas and other operating fluids pose a significant risk to the environment if they’re allowed to just leach into the soil. Our members carefully drain all the fluids and store them for reuse or recycling.”
Fletcher adds that gas tanks, batteries and tires are all removed and recycled, reused or disposed of appropriately. The vehicle is then sent for dismantling where usable parts are removed for resale.
“By the time our members crush a car, it is a clean, dry hulk that poses no threat to the environment. Only then is the unusable portion of the vehicle sent to be shredded for metal recovery,” says Fletcher.
Incredibly, there is currently no legislation that dictates how an ELV has to be handled, although the OARA is working with the provincial government to set environmental standards for the processing of ELVs. the OARA is also working with environmental groups and a number of leading auto manufacturers who have recognized the need to ensure ELVs are properly processed at the end of their operating lives.
“When people are done with their vehicles, they really need to be aware of who they’re selling it to. It can make all the difference in the world,” says Fletcher.
It’s probably not something you’ve ever thought about, but where you take your vehicle when it reaches the end of the road can make the difference between an environmental disaster and a model of environmental responsibility.
The truth is, not everybody handles end-of-life vehicles (ELV) and vehicles that have been in accidents the way they should. Steve Fletcher, Executive Director of the Ontario Automotive recyclers Association (OARA), has heard some of the horror stories.
With many automotive recyclers, trying to extract the most value from an ELV by cutting environmental corners is unfortunately a growing practise. “Our members, however, follow a very strict code of practice in the way they handle a vehicle. They spend a lot of money to build and maintain facilities that are specially designed to capture and store potentially harmful operating fluids and other toxins such as mercury and lead. We keep all of that stuff contained and prevent it from contaminating the soil and groundwater. The technicians who do the work are trained to follow a methodical process that maximizes the amount of material that can be reclaimed and minimizes the environmental impact,” says Fletcher.
The problem, Fletcher explains, is that not everybody follows the same protocol or plays by the same rules.
“We know of some scrap operations who buy cars just to crush them and sell them for the value of the metal. They don’t drain anything and they don’t do anything to protect the environment. And when metal prices are high like they are now, those guys really come out of the woodwork.”
Fletcher says their members remove an average of 40 litres of potentially hazard-ous fluids from each vehicle, as well as lead, mercury and ozone-depleting gases. “All the oil, gas and other operating fluids pose a significant risk to the environment if they’re allowed to just leach into the soil. Our members carefully drain all the fluids and store them for reuse or recycling.”
Fletcher adds that gas tanks, batteries and tires are all removed and recycled, reused or disposed of appropriately. The vehicle is then sent for dismantling where usable parts are removed for resale.
“By the time our members crush a car, it is a clean, dry hulk that poses no threat to the environment. Only then is the unusable portion of the vehicle sent to be shredded for metal recovery,” says Fletcher.
Incredibly, there is currently no legislation that dictates how an ELV has to be handled, although the OARA is working with the provincial government to set environmental standards for the processing of ELVs. the OARA is also working with environmental groups and a number of leading auto manufacturers who have recognized the need to ensure ELVs are properly processed at the end of their operating lives.
“When people are done with their vehicles, they really need to be aware of who they’re selling it to. It can make all the difference in the world,” says Fletcher.
Auto recyclers donate $25,000 to Anchor Association summer camp
Call it a win-win-win situation.
Getting an old beater off the road can not only generate some income for the owner, but also benefit the environment and help out charities across Canada.
This year over $1-million was raised through the Retire Your Ride initiative, a partnership between the federal government and Summerhill Impact and supported in this province by the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA).
“This is a record year. The awareness is finally picking up,” said Bob Vanleeuwen, owner of Fergus Auto Recyclers and a director with the OARA.
The Retire Your Ride Program is committed to improving air quality by responsibly recycling at least 50,000 vehicles per year, particularly 1995 models or older vehicles, which can produce 19 times more smog-forming pollutants than 2004 and newer models.
In addition to purchasing the vehicles and disposing of and recycling them using strict environmental guidelines, OARA members also donate $20, which is then dispersed to various non-profit organizations.
“It’s been very successful in benefitting local charities,” Vanleeuwen said.
On Dec. 23, on behalf of the OARA, he was on hand at “The Lighthouse” home just outside of Fergus to donate $25,000 to the Anchor Association, also known as The Canadian Reformed Association for the Handicapped.
The funds will help send 44 individuals with developmental disabilities, of all ages and from all across Ontario, to a two-week summer camp in Markdale.
“I’ve been there ever since it started,” Anchor resident Dave VanVeen said of the summer camp, which started in 1980. VanVeen enjoys the camaraderie of the camp and all the activities offered there.
“Almost anything,” he replied when asked what camp participants can do.
Fellow Anchor resident Terence Berends agreed. He said he really likes the camp experience, especially the singing and “sleeping in cabins.”
In accepting the OARA cheque from Vanleeuwen, Anchor’s executive director, Bert VanGoolen, said, “This is just great - thank you very much.”
In addition to the summer camp, Anchor offers respite care and operates four permanent homes in Burlington, Beamsville, Dunnville and Fergus - which support over 20 adults. The first home, in Beamsville, was opened in 1986, and the fourth, in Fergus, opened in May 2008.
The goal, VanGoolen said, is to provide 24-hour long-term care, as well as part-time jobs, to individuals with varying degrees of disability.
“They get out and become part of the community,” he said.
Vanleeuwen, whose business employs a couple of Anchor residents, had only positive things to say about the program.
He stressed the $25,000 donation to Anchor all started with individuals properly disposing of their vehicles at one of about 120 OARA certified locations.
Other auto wreckers may pay a bit more, but at the detriment of the environment, he said.
Since over half of all vehicles are not responsibly recycled - including safe disposal of gas, oil, fluids, batteries, refrigerants and mercury switches - the goal of OARA members is to raise awareness of proper procedures and to lobby the federal government to require all vehicle disposal businesses to be accredited by Environment Canada.
For more information visit fergusauto.com, retireyourride.ca, oara.com or anchor-association.com.
by Chris Daponte www.wellingtonadvertiser.com
Getting an old beater off the road can not only generate some income for the owner, but also benefit the environment and help out charities across Canada.
This year over $1-million was raised through the Retire Your Ride initiative, a partnership between the federal government and Summerhill Impact and supported in this province by the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA).
“This is a record year. The awareness is finally picking up,” said Bob Vanleeuwen, owner of Fergus Auto Recyclers and a director with the OARA.
The Retire Your Ride Program is committed to improving air quality by responsibly recycling at least 50,000 vehicles per year, particularly 1995 models or older vehicles, which can produce 19 times more smog-forming pollutants than 2004 and newer models.
In addition to purchasing the vehicles and disposing of and recycling them using strict environmental guidelines, OARA members also donate $20, which is then dispersed to various non-profit organizations.
“It’s been very successful in benefitting local charities,” Vanleeuwen said.
On Dec. 23, on behalf of the OARA, he was on hand at “The Lighthouse” home just outside of Fergus to donate $25,000 to the Anchor Association, also known as The Canadian Reformed Association for the Handicapped.
The funds will help send 44 individuals with developmental disabilities, of all ages and from all across Ontario, to a two-week summer camp in Markdale.
“I’ve been there ever since it started,” Anchor resident Dave VanVeen said of the summer camp, which started in 1980. VanVeen enjoys the camaraderie of the camp and all the activities offered there.
“Almost anything,” he replied when asked what camp participants can do.
Fellow Anchor resident Terence Berends agreed. He said he really likes the camp experience, especially the singing and “sleeping in cabins.”
In accepting the OARA cheque from Vanleeuwen, Anchor’s executive director, Bert VanGoolen, said, “This is just great - thank you very much.”
In addition to the summer camp, Anchor offers respite care and operates four permanent homes in Burlington, Beamsville, Dunnville and Fergus - which support over 20 adults. The first home, in Beamsville, was opened in 1986, and the fourth, in Fergus, opened in May 2008.
The goal, VanGoolen said, is to provide 24-hour long-term care, as well as part-time jobs, to individuals with varying degrees of disability.
“They get out and become part of the community,” he said.
Vanleeuwen, whose business employs a couple of Anchor residents, had only positive things to say about the program.
He stressed the $25,000 donation to Anchor all started with individuals properly disposing of their vehicles at one of about 120 OARA certified locations.
Other auto wreckers may pay a bit more, but at the detriment of the environment, he said.
Since over half of all vehicles are not responsibly recycled - including safe disposal of gas, oil, fluids, batteries, refrigerants and mercury switches - the goal of OARA members is to raise awareness of proper procedures and to lobby the federal government to require all vehicle disposal businesses to be accredited by Environment Canada.
For more information visit fergusauto.com, retireyourride.ca, oara.com or anchor-association.com.
by Chris Daponte www.wellingtonadvertiser.com
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Aftermarket Grass-Roots Trade Associations Kick Off Major Proposal For “Recycle Your Tools” Initiative
Too often young people find that the costs of tools restricts them from entering apprenticeship and doing the work they love - working on cars.
Recognizing the need to address that issue, the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA), has provided initial funding for a “Recycle Your Tools” initiative that will help in proposal writing and research of this unique program.
The goal is to remove barriers from becoming a worker or apprentice in the motive power trades.
The program, recommended by the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO), will involve a charitable tax receipt that is issued for hand tools donated by retiring techs, closing dealerships or shops.
When fully operational, students enrolled in Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) or Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) courses will catalogue, inventory and web place the tools and make them available at no charge or reduced costs to students entering apprenticeship or workplace environments. There are plans to provide tools to employers to be offered as retention bonuses, where apprentices could keep their employer-donated tools if they stayed at the repair facility for a specified time frame.
This planned initiative answers an industry need identified in the latest CARS Council sectoral report and should help increase the number of young people and apprentices entering the automotive repair and automotive recycling industries.
OARA is providing the funding to the Industry Education Council of Hamilton through the Retire Your Ride vehicle retirement program. Members donate a portion of the proceeds from each vehicle to charity with total charitable donations exceeding $1 million dollars in the final two years of that program.
This initiative from the three largest grass-roots automotive trade associations follows on the heels of five workshops offered in southern Ontario by the three groups and highlights a growing positive relationship within the grass-roots organizations toward better co-operation to help industry and better serve the public.
Recognizing the need to address that issue, the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA), has provided initial funding for a “Recycle Your Tools” initiative that will help in proposal writing and research of this unique program.
The goal is to remove barriers from becoming a worker or apprentice in the motive power trades.
The program, recommended by the Hamilton District Autobody Repair Association (HARA) and the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario (AARO), will involve a charitable tax receipt that is issued for hand tools donated by retiring techs, closing dealerships or shops.
When fully operational, students enrolled in Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) or Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) courses will catalogue, inventory and web place the tools and make them available at no charge or reduced costs to students entering apprenticeship or workplace environments. There are plans to provide tools to employers to be offered as retention bonuses, where apprentices could keep their employer-donated tools if they stayed at the repair facility for a specified time frame.
This planned initiative answers an industry need identified in the latest CARS Council sectoral report and should help increase the number of young people and apprentices entering the automotive repair and automotive recycling industries.
OARA is providing the funding to the Industry Education Council of Hamilton through the Retire Your Ride vehicle retirement program. Members donate a portion of the proceeds from each vehicle to charity with total charitable donations exceeding $1 million dollars in the final two years of that program.
This initiative from the three largest grass-roots automotive trade associations follows on the heels of five workshops offered in southern Ontario by the three groups and highlights a growing positive relationship within the grass-roots organizations toward better co-operation to help industry and better serve the public.
Monday, January 03, 2011
OARA Charitable Donations Surpass Million Dollar Mark
The Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) is proud to announce its members have given more than $1,000,000 in donations in the past 18 months.
With a $25,000 donation presented by AADCO Auto Parts to the William Osler Health Care Foundation in Brampton, Ont., OARA's total contributions sits at $1,057,989.
"I know it's been a tough few years for charitable organizations in Ontario with the economic slowdown," says AADCO president and OARA board member Don Fraser, "So, I'm really proud to be with an organization where the members, province-wide, have given so much to so many worthy causes."
The donations are being made as part of OARA's "Celebration of Auto Recycling" campaign.
Association members are giving $35 for every vehicle they acquire through the Retire Your Ride vehicle recycling program - an initiative of the federal government, Summerhill Impact and its partners.
"It really has been a win-win relationship," says OARA's executive director Steve Fletcher, "On one hand our association has been part of this wonderful program aimed at getting 50,000 high-polluting vehicles off the road by March 31st, 2011. And, on the other hand, money from that program has gone to help organizations like the Sick Kids Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, Autism Ontario, and the Sunshine Foundation of Canada just to name a few."
OARA's donation campaign is continuing for another few months. The association is challenging its members to raise another $400,000 before it's over.
With a $25,000 donation presented by AADCO Auto Parts to the William Osler Health Care Foundation in Brampton, Ont., OARA's total contributions sits at $1,057,989.
"I know it's been a tough few years for charitable organizations in Ontario with the economic slowdown," says AADCO president and OARA board member Don Fraser, "So, I'm really proud to be with an organization where the members, province-wide, have given so much to so many worthy causes."
The donations are being made as part of OARA's "Celebration of Auto Recycling" campaign.
Association members are giving $35 for every vehicle they acquire through the Retire Your Ride vehicle recycling program - an initiative of the federal government, Summerhill Impact and its partners.
"It really has been a win-win relationship," says OARA's executive director Steve Fletcher, "On one hand our association has been part of this wonderful program aimed at getting 50,000 high-polluting vehicles off the road by March 31st, 2011. And, on the other hand, money from that program has gone to help organizations like the Sick Kids Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, Autism Ontario, and the Sunshine Foundation of Canada just to name a few."
OARA's donation campaign is continuing for another few months. The association is challenging its members to raise another $400,000 before it's over.
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