North Shore Recycling at BCSEA Vancouver Chapter January Meeting

Program Manager Allen Lynch presents "Recyclables Markets in the Current Downturn"

On a dark and stormy night, BCSEA Vancouver chapter members and guests gathered to hear Allen Lynch provide an interesting and informative presentation on the Recyclables market in the current downturn. He discussed what can be done locally, regionally, provincially and federally in the short and long term, as well as why source separated collection is better than single stream, and he compared the North Shore to other municipalities in Metro Vancouver.

Allen explained that Recyclables are a commodity just like metals and other products, and, like other parts of the economy, recyclables are not immune from the current economic tailspin. Market fluctuations are not unusual but this recession/depression looks like it will last longer than previous downturns - the market plunge is, in part, being driven by an evaporation of global demand. However, Allen emphasized, even though the markets are down, it is still better to recycle than put these items in the garbage.

Most importantly, the NSRP will not cancel the recycling program nor stop collecting all the materials currently collected. The markets will turn around and it is costly and time consuming to ramp up to speed again. “We cannot and will not destroy the confidence in our program”.

Allen Lynch’s presentation culminated with a question and answer session and some insight and additions from audience members. It was a great introduction to both the North Shore Recycling Program and the factors affecting the Recyclables Market in today’s economic situation. The BCSEA Vancouver Chapter update and news rounded out the evening. These monthly chapter meetings and presentations are open to the public, and are a great opportunity to come and see what the BC Sustainable Energy Association is all about and to become a member and get involved! See you at the next meeting!

Here is an audio recording of the presentation:
Live
MP3 Stream
Download
MP3(10MB)
For the notes on Allen’s presentation, please click on the PDF link
below.