Interchange Recycling, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the collection and recycling of used motor oil, oil filters, oil containers, used antifreeze and antifreeze containers, recently opened a new permanent collection site in Whitehorse, Yukon.

The August 1st opening of this facility marks Interchange Recycling’s first expansion beyond British Columbia, bringing its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program to a new jurisdiction. The new site is located at 91972 Alaska Highway, Whitehorse YT, and is now accepting lubricating oil, antifreeze, diesel exhaust fluid, oil filters, and all automotive containers from Yukon residents.

Major milestone

Speaking with Jenn Robson, Director of Operations, Interchange Recycling, Autosphere learned that the new permanent collection site enables Whitehorse and Yukon residents to drop off their used oil, anti-freeze, DEF and automotive containers on Mondays, Thursdays and every other Saturday free of charge. Robson said that the opening of this new facility “marks a major milestone for our organization and for Extended Producer Responsibility in the territory. We’ve been working closely with local partners to get this permanent collection site established in Whitehorse, and we’re proud to offer residents across Yukon convenient, reliable access to responsible recycling options.” Robson notes that establishing an EPR program in Whitehorse represents the beginning of a new chapter, and through collaboration and partnerships with the Yukon government, local service providers, municipalities and stewardship agencies, “we’re looking forward to growing our presence and supporting Yukoners in keeping these materials out of landfills and in the circular economy.”

Interchange Recycling is also supporting collection events outside of Whitehorse to reach additional residents across the territory. Confirmed events include:

• Watson Lake: Sept 13th, 1022 Alaska Highway, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Faro: Sept 20th, Ross Road, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Safe Storage Guidelines:

• Store used oil, antifreeze, automotive containers, and filters in clearly labelled, tightly sealed, leak-proof containers.
• To avoid cross contamination:
• Do not mix different products together.
• Tightly cap all containers.
• Ask for assistance from staff if you are unsure about what you are returning.
• Keep containers in a safe, covered area to prevent spills and freezing.
• For small volumes, drop them off at our Whitehorse location or bring them to the nearest HHW Collection Events held around the territory.
• For larger volumes (e.g., garages), contact a registered collector to arrange for collection.

For more information on how the recycling and drop off process works, visit https://interchangerecycling.com/how-it-works.

As part of Interchange Recycling’s mandate to enhance recycling efforts of new automotive and industrial products, the organization’s product scope expanded in Yukon to include all automotive containers and diesel exhaust fluid, alongside lubricating oil, oil filters, and antifreeze. On average, nearly 50 million litres of used oil are collected each year in British Columbia alone, highlighting the impact of effective recycling programs.

Seamless as possible

“We want to make drop-off as convenient and seamless as possible for Whitehorse residents and will be actively listening to their feedback over the coming weeks and months, now that our program has kicked off,” added Robson. “Our collection events outside of Whitehorse will ensure that Yukon residents who live outside of Whitehorse are able to access the program. Our EPR program in this territory will ensure the proper disposal of materials, prevent pollution, reduce waste, and support a circular economy. It will also create jobs in recycling and waste management; while helping businesses and the Yukon government get a step closer to their per capita waste reduction goals and increase waste diversion from landfills.”

Yukon is actively enhancing its recycling infrastructure and has set targets to reduce per capita waste generation by 10% by 2030 (compared to 2020 levels) and to increase waste diversion from landfills to 40% by 2025.

Used oil is a valuable resource and if it is collected and recycled properly, it can be recovered and reused. Used oil can be re-refined into new lubricating oil or material inputs for manufacturing or energy products. Additionally, used oil filters contain metal, which is recycled into metal products like rebar, nails, and wire. Used oil and antifreeze containers are recycled and used to manufacture new oil containers, drainage tiles, and parking curbs. Used antifreeze is refined and reused as new automotive antifreeze.

In Canada, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach in which a producer’s responsibility, physical and/or financial, for a product is extended to the post-consumer stage of a product’s life cycle.

For more information about the Interchange Recycling Yukon program, visit https://interchangerecycling.com/yukon/.