Myths and Facts

Polymer samples

DOES CANADA FIBERS RECYCLE ANYTHING OTHER THAN PAPER?

Although Canada Fibers started as a paper recycler, our operations have evolved to include recovery and supply of a wide variety of recycled materials including paper, cardboard, plastics (1-7) and metals. We also have the capability to process dry mixed recyclables. In 2015, Canada Fibers launched the Urban Resource Group, expanding operations further to include the production of sustainable products such as polymers, garden mulch and wooden fuel pellets.

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE MATERIALS ONCE THEY’RE PUT IN A BLUE BOX?

When material arrives at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF), it goes through a mechanical and manual sorting process. Fiber (paper and cardboard) are separated from containers (plastic, metal and glass), and then each material is sorted into its own category. Once sorted, material is baled and sold to end markets around the world.

WHERE ARE THESE END MARKETS FOR RECYCLABLE MATERIALS?

We ship recovered materials all over the world–from local markets in Toronto, to markets throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, South East Asia and the Pacific Rim.

PAPER & CARDBOARD FACTS

  • About 21 trees are saved for every one metric tonne of paper recycled
  • Cardboard boxes can contain up to 100% recycled fibres.
  • About 40, 000 trees are needed each day to produce the newsprint for Canada’s daily papers.
  • Recycling newspapers and magazines reduces the need for mining clay soils, which is used to make newsprint pulp.
  • Old newsprint is made into new newsprint

Polymer Clay Myths (and the Truth Behind Them) – The Blue Bottle Tree

PLASTICS FACTS

Synthetic polymers
  • Plastics take about 400 years to break down in a landfill.
  • Recycled PET plastic bottles have widespread uses beyond new bottles, including carpet, fibrefill for pillows, sleeping bags and clothing, automotive parts, and floor tiles
  • Canadians take home more than 55 million plastic bags each week

5 Myths Superabsorbent Polymers for Wastewater Treatement (socochem.com)

STEEL FACTS

  • When recovered, steel is used instead of iron ore to make new steel and water consumption is reduced by about 50%.
  • It takes nearly 100 years for a steel can to break down through natural processes.

ALUMINUM FACTS

  • Recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a television for 3 hours.
  • Aluminum takes 500 years to break down in a landfill.
  • Aluminum cans can be used again in any product made from aluminum