August Featured Registered Processor: RPM Eco

Tell Albertans about your business and what it does.

Since 2015, RPM eco has been providing Alberta businesses with an integrated system for managing oil-contaminated plastic. Our services range from collection to repurposing through mechanical recycling, allowing Post-Consumer Resin (PCR) to be transformed into new containers and other products manufactured in Canada. By closing the loop, we contribute significantly to the circular economy of oil containers.

At RPM eco, we believe that our world is a reflection of who we are. Everything we do affects people, our economy, and our planet. Some people like to wash their hands of things. We prefer to get ours dirty. To work cleanly. To work intelligently and together.

We innovate, in order to create the mirror effect and be proud of our reflection.

What areas of the province do you service?

We offer free pick-up services for ARMA-eligible used oil containers from Peace River to Medicine Hat and everywhere in between. For large volumes, we may extend our services beyond our usual territory. Additionally, we provide recycling services for HDPE and PPE containers that are not part of the ARMA program, though fees may apply.

What makes your business unique?

We’re a ‘full circle’ company. This means that the oil containers that we collect and recycle can become new ones, ready to be used again in the marketplace.  

The resources of our Earth are limited, but if used intelligently, the possibilities are limitless.

We are part of the movement that works to rethink production methods, minimize resource use and protect the environment.

Since our foundation, we have been committed to valorizing contaminated plastic materials and helping our clients improve their environmental practices, including recovering their wastewater for our closed-loop washing processes. We accompany them from the collection of contaminated plastic material to the creation of 100% revalorized plastic.

• Collection of contaminated plastic material:
  Each year, our teams take to the roads to service businesses and industries to recover over 10,000 metric tons of plastic for recycling.
• Wastewater treatment:
  Potable water isn’t used in our closed-loop plastic cleaning process. We use industrial wastewater to clean recovered plastic, and then clean and treat the water.
• Mechanical recycling/processing:
  We use mechanical recycling to grind materials into small pieces. The size and density of the flakes depend on the type of plastic being recycled. This process is the most environmentally responsible solution. RPM eco has a proprietary system, developed through years of research and development, that completely removes the oil during its unique recycling process. This makes RPM a pioneer and a leader in managing this type of material, from collection to being ready to use in manufacturing.
• Containers made from 100% revalorized plastic:
  The recovered plastic is used to create new containers or industrial products, such as drainpipe and composite boards, all made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, right here in Canada.

If there was something that Albertans could do to make recycling these materials easier, what would it be?

Spread the word about recycling! When our partners and customers share how RPM eco’s no-charge recycling service has benefited their businesses and the planet, it’s a win-win!  In addition to used oil products, the ARMA website has a recycle depot finder for other products such as paint, electronics, and tires. Share this resource with friends, family, and colleagues to encourage more recycling.

What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about your business or about the recycling process of the materials you handle?

To date, we have collected and processed 61,775,000 plastic containers, diverting them from landfills and fully repurposing them.

Did you know? Producing recycled HDPE containers saves more than 297 kg of CO2 per metric ton compared to bottles/containers made from virgin resins in Canada*.

*Source According to the Bilan Carbone® method for waste management activities (record-net.org)

Is there anything else you would like Albertans to know about your business?

If your business generates a significant amount of oil containers, we would be happy to set you up with our no-charge service (as ARMA receives these fees at the time of product purchase). We will provide you with a bin and bags to store the containers between collections. To get set up for collections, simply call an RPM eco customer service representative at 1.877.535.0777. Support the plastic processor that takes your oil and ARMA’s eligible containers full circle!

In addition to oil containers for the ARMA program, RPM eco also offers recycling services for HDPE or PPE plastic with other contaminants, including containers previously containing windshield washer fluid, diesel exhaust fluid, antifreeze, and other chemicals, in any size ranging from 1L jugs to 1000L totes/IBCs. Fees may apply.

In Alberta & Ontario, we are partnered with the Clean Farms program to recycle containers formerly containing pesticides and fertilizers for the agricultural industry. Recovering these materials protects our environment and natural resources.