Robins Environmental has been involved in projects to research the quantities, flow and current state of waste management infrastructure for waste management programs  and EPR targetted materials. These projects required extensive literature searches, analysis of data, as well as interviews with stakeholder groups to better understand the operations of the waste  management and processing industry and end markets.  Also involved in projects investigating sustainable waste management financing systems, such as Pay-as-you-Throw, user fees, etc.

Projects Include:

Comparison of Paint Stewardship Programs and Used Battery Stewardship Programs, Waste Diversion Ontario
Retained by WDO to conduct two separate benchmarking projects, which involved comparing the performance of paint stewardship programs and used battery stewardship programs across Canada. For each material, a comparison of key performance indicators (KPIs) was undertaken including collection rates, material available for collection, recycling rate, accessibility to the public, and recycling efficiency. Additional research was conducted to evaluate the length of program operations, efficiency in operations, and performance satisfaction. Interviews were conducted with provincial officials to identify program benefits/concerns, lessons learned and advice.

Feasibility Assessment: Application Of EPR To Phase 2 Materials, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment
Part of a team retained by CCME to conduct a study to examine the feasibility of addressing the CCME designated Phase 2 priority products within the eight-year timeline outlined by CCME. Phase 2 materials examined in this study include construction and demolition materials, furniture; textiles and carpets; and appliances. The objectives of this feasibility assessment involved collecting available baseline information on waste quantities and methods; identifying any EPR programs related to Phase 2 materials; and, identifying target materials and important conditions that are supportive of EPR for Phase 2 materials.

CCME EPR Program Measurement and Tracking, Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME)
Lead researcher for the project involving summarizing data on EPR programs across Canada for six material categories (tires, used oil containers and filters, packaging, electronics, paint, HHW and Beverage containers). Key performance indicators (KPIs) were recommended to compare performance of these programs.

A Literature Review of the Economic and Social Impacts of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Management Systems and Approaches, Environment Canada
Carried out a literature review of over 40 documents, which quantified the economic, social and environmental impacts of high diversion scenarios for Canada. A review of studies from other jurisdictions was conducted that would estimate and compare the direct and indirect economic and social effects of municipal solid waste (MSW) disposal and diversion and the policies that drive specific MSW practices and diversion targets. This was a companion document to a separate analysis of the implications of high diversion scenarios on disposal capacity requirements for 20 years (to 2030).

Others:
– Sustainable Financing Study, City of Regina
– Sustainable Financing Systems for Hamilton’s Waste Management System, City of Hamilton
– Sustainable Financing Systems for Niagara Region’s Waste Management System, Niagara Region
– Implementation of a Solid Waste Management Sustainable Financing Structure in Ontario, Stewardship Ontario
– Solid Waste Management Financing Review, City of St. Albert
– Subsidies and Discounts for Low Income and Senior Households for Waste Management and Recycling Services, City of Calgary