Goodwill of Ontario Great Lakes installed a shredding and granulating system to recycle its unsold donated plastics and continue its goal of zero waste. | Photo courtesy Rotogran International
Goodwill Industries of Ontario Great Lakes recently purchased a size-reduction system to increase its recycling capacity for donated plastic goods in London, Ontario.
The system, from Ontario-based recycling technology company Rotogran International, is custom designed for Goodwill’s polyethylene hard plastics from goods like storage containers and toys. It includes a granulator, feed conveyor and evacuation system. According to a press release, the system is expected to recycle 600,000 pounds of plastic per year.
While Goodwill primarily promotes reuse through resale of donated goods, its commitment to consumer good circularity extends to donations that are not resold. According to the press release, Goodwill locations recycled a combined 14 million pounds of goods last year, or about 20% of all goods donated.
Goodwill is also working with GreenWell Plastics, a Canadian remanufacturing company, to include recycled material in the manufacture of lumber and outdoor furniture.
“There is a lot of capacity to expand,” John Quigley, a circularity and sustainability specialist at Goodwill, said in the press release. “We’re looking forward to seeing how this sustainability initiative continues to evolve and grow.”
In the press release, Goodwill said its collaboration with Rotogran and GreenWell is part of an intentional effort to work with other businesses in and around Ontario.
“We’re proud to work with Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes on their sustainability efforts,” said Mike Cyr, president of Rotogran, in the press release. “This is a game-changing initiative that will divert plastics from landfill and help contribute to the Circular Economy in an impactful and meaningful way right here in Ontario.”
Goodwill has made several partnerships to increase circularity in consumer products and encourage recycling. Last year, the company committed to recycling more of its unsold goods. The company also partnered with waste giant WM to create a pilot program for textile recycling.