Developing a framework for end-of-life vehicle recycling in northern Manitoba

Abstract

Scrap metal recycling is a developed industry in southern Canada, however this is not the case in northern Canada and particularly northern Manitoba. In this region, scrap metal, and particularly end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) accumulates in communities, which results in a serious waste management issue for the region. The inaction on scrap metal recycling and reuse in northern Manitoba is in fact creating sustainability issues that run counter to Manitoba’s Sustainable Development Act. To address this problem, my thesis is focused on developing an effective and efficient framework for ELV recycling for northern Manitoba. I conducted interviews with 15 community leaders and waste management specialists from communities in northern Manitoba, as well as 19 experts in ELV recycling and waste management. In addition to the interviews, a document review and a workshop, informed the development of a Framework for ELV Recycling in Northern Manitoba. Finally, I suggest the eight most important policy initiatives emerging from the research needed in order to implement the Framework.