SUSTAINABLE SCHEDULE
Honda recently released a document outlining its 2024 environmental social governance (ESG) plans for increased recycling efforts for future products and parts. Honda claims it wants to “take on the challenge” in shifting to a recycling-oriented business that creates economic value while reducing the consumption of natural resources. The OEM said it is committed to creating a recycling-centric ecosystem which includes selecting materials suitable for recycling, easy disassembly and separation to enable the stable procurement of “high-quality recycled materials.” Honda has already taken steps to introduce recycled PET in the interior of its N-VAN light vehicles.
ELECTRIC EXPANSION
Alberta is expanding its recycling program with the long-term goal of recycling electric vehicle batteries. The updated recycling program, which will begin to be phased in April 2025, will start by accepting power tools, lawn and garden equipment, small appliances and household electronics. The Alberta Government made an announcement at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre detailing that it will further contribute a $250,000 investment to install an AI-powered X-ray system at the centre that will scan and identify material for hazardous waste, such as embedded batteries.
HELP FROM HARDIN
Trent Hardin has assumed executive directorship of the Alberta Automotive Recyclers and Dismantlers Association (AARDA) and will assume direct responsibility for AARDA members’ Canadian Auto Recyclers Environmental Code (CAREC) audits in Alberta. Hardin has spent 40 years in industrial operations in Alberta—starting with Syncrude in 1984 through computer chip manufacturing, industrial coatings, purchasing for major fabrication projects and rail transload. Along the way, Hardin has spent stints in retail, non-governmental organizations and service sectors, as well as some time as an infantry reservist. He is also a National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) and has had extensive training in hazardous materials, from Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), through TDG and HAZMAT response, to DG derailment response.
PASSPORT PLEASE
Australia’s federal government has been discussing the possibility of introducing a “passport” for EV batteries following concerns that the nation’s battery recycling industry may not be ready for an increase in battery waste. Battery passports are unique identification numbers linked to a vehicles’ VIN and could provide information like where the EV battery’s materials come from, who was involved in the power pack’s production throughout the supply chain, and more. According to a report from the Australian Associated Press, battery passports could allow for packs to be labelled for streamlining purposes and safe handling at the end of life. Representatives in Australia’s recycling and automotive industries have voiced their concerns about the situation, suggesting the federal government may have as little as six years before the issue of EV batteries and the end-of-life processing becomes a significant challenge. EVs account for about eight percent of new vehicle sales in Australia.
