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OPEI Announces Requirements for Outdoor Power Equipment Manufacturers to Comply with Canadian Recycling Regulations

Alexandria, Va. – January 27, 2012 – The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) today announced that it has issued a Stewardship Plan for Outdoor Power Equipment to comply with the requirements of the British Columbia Ministry of Environment’s (MoE) Recycling Regulation.

To prepare for implementation in July 2012, outdoor power equipment manufacturers must immediately begin reporting estimates of their electrical-powered OPE delivered to Canada overall.

For a review of the current Stewardship Plan for Outdoor Power Equipment, go to: http://www.opei.org/library-documents/about-opei/OPEIStewardshipProgramOctoberFinal.pdf

For a list of common questions and answers, visit: http://opei.org/news/detail.dot?id=22466

Says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI, “We’ve been working hard to make this new government mandate as fair and non-onerous as possible for our members and non-members.  To that end, we’ve  selected a non-profit Canadian recycling and recovery vendor  to help streamline this process for manufacturers.”

Background

The British Columbia Recycling Regulation mandating manufacturer responsibility for product recovery and recycling includes outdoor power equipment.  On behalf of its members, OPEI submitted a Stewardship Plan for Outdoor Power Equipment on October 1, 2011 to the British Columbia Ministry of Environment for their consideration.  The development of this plan began in March of last year with the participation of the Canadian Task Force (CTF), consisting of 14 OPEI member company representatives, along with consulting support specific to this type of activity in Canada.

OPEI has selected Product Care Association (PCA) as the Canadian recycling and recovery project vendor.  PCA is a not-for-profit industry association that manages product stewardship programs for household hazardous and special waste on behalf of its members across Canada. PCA programs help protect the environment by diverting leftover and end of life products from landfills, waterways, and sewers.  PCA provides consumers with a collection system network for the products it manages.  The collected products are then reused or recycled where possible.

What do Manufacturers Need to Do?

A requirement of the regulations is to report Recovery Rates for each product category to the Regulation.  This Recovery Rate will be calculated as the percentage of product recycled compared to the product introduced into the market place.  This data must be collected periodically and reported to the Ministry of Environment annually as required by law.
1.      OPE manufacturers should contact OPEI to get a product summary spreadsheet.  Only one worksheet per company is required.
2.      Manufacturers will need to report estimates on Canadian sales of electrical-powered equipment by January 31, 2012 to Hargrove & Associates.
3.      Hargrove & Associates will also need the name, email and phone number of the company representative who will be the official contact for data.    Monthly data will be collected after this initial submittal of requested information.
4.       Companies that do not  participate in the OPEI Stewardship Plan for electric outdoor power equipment will have to interact directly with the Ministry of Environment to provide a compliant recycling program.

Further information can be found at the URLs above, by contacting OPEI at 703-549-7600 or by emailing Gerry Coons at gcoons@opei.org or Kristen Reamy at kristen@opei.org.

Hargrove & Associates is an independent third party contractor that properly manages sensitive information to protect the interests of the individual companies reporting this information.
About OPEI

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing more than 80 engine and equipment manufacturers worldwide in the utility, forestry, landscape, and lawn and garden industry. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety standards. For more information, visit www.OPEI.org.

Complying with the British Columbia Ministry of Environment’s (MoE)

Recycling Regulation

Questions and Answers

Q:  Who must participate in the Stewardship Program?

A: The language in the regulation states that the “Producer” must participate.  In the regulation the “Producer” is defined as anyone from the OEM manufacturer through the distribution channel to the retailer that sells the product to the consumer.

It does not include component suppliers.

Q:  Why must we report sales of equipment?

A:  There have been changes in the Canadian government recycling requirements for electric products shipped to British Columbia, Canada.   OPEI, with the Canadian Taskforce of member representatives, is working to ensure its members fulfill the Producer requirements under Part 2 of the BC Ministry of Environment’s Recycling Regulation.

The information reporting is for number of units, not $.  Initially, this will be used to complete the details of the Stewardship Plan with regard to setting the environmental handling fees and budget planning.  It will also be used to report weights for calculating recycling recovery rates over time.
Q:  What information do you need reported?

A: An Excel form is available that asks companies to fill out information on retail outlets and distribution channels shipping or selling product in British Columbia.

Only one worksheet should be submitted per company and only for electrical-driven products.

Companies will be submitting sales estimates for each category of product sold in British Columbia, or Canada as a whole.

As the program continues, sales (shipments) into Canada will be reported monthly and used to calculate recycling recovery rates for the program.

Q: What if we only have Canadian sales, not broken out by province?

A:  We have agreement in our plan to represent British Columbia sales as a percentage of all Canadian sales; this being 13 percent for British Columbia.

Q: How will the recovery rates be determined? Why must recovery rates be determined?

A:  A requirement of the regulations is to report Recovery Rates of product subject to the Regulation.  This Recovery Rate will be calculated as the percentage of product recycled compared to the product introduced into the market place.

The estimates of recoverable OPE are relatively small compared to other stewardship programs. The OPEI-CTF estimates that approximately 30,000 electric-powered OPEs are retired every year in British Columbia, or approximately 150 to 200 tonnes.

Q:  How will the recovery rates be determined?

A: Data will be collected and reported to the Product Care Association (PCA) by the steel recycling companies as to the amount of outdoor power equipment collected for recycling.  The amount of product introduced into the market will be reported monthly to PCA.  PCA will use this data to calculate the recycling rates.

Q:  What about fuel powered products?

A: The Stewardship Plan requires a two-year study of fuel (gas) powered products to analyze the level of existing recycling rates and the potential for these products to be disposed in landfills.  This study will commence in 2013.

Results of this fuel-powered products study will be used to determine if any regulatory action is warranted for these products.

Further information on fuel-powered products will be communicated at a later time.

Q:  Will an Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) be imposed on fuel-powered products?

A: It is not the intent of the Stewardship Plan to impose an EHF on fuel-powered products.  The EHF will be collected on electric products only.

Q:  Who will collect the EHF?

A: The EHF will be collected by the retailers at the point of sale to the consumer.  The EHF will show on the sales ticket as a separate item.

The EHF applies to all battery and corded outdoor power equipment.

Q:  Why should we provide a list of Retailers, Dealers, Distributors, etc?

A: The Retailers, Dealers and Distributors have a responsibility to charge, recover and submit the EHF to the Program.  To protect our Retailers, Dealers and Distributors and to insure they operate properly within the regulatory requirements, we must communicate to them the information they require to comply with the requirements of the program.  This includes having the proper rate structure for the EHF and insuring they properly implement and submit these.

Emergency and Severe Weather Preparedness: Do You Have the Right Equipment?

Alexandria, Va. – January 24, 2012 – This year’s winter season may be off to an uneven start, but winter storms and other natural disasters and emergencies can take homeowners by surprise anytime.  The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an association representing outdoor power equipment, utility vehicle and engine manufacturers and suppliers, recommends that homeowners have certain equipment on hand to cope with unexpected weather or public health emergencies.

First aid emergency kits and general preparedness kits for power outages and flu outbreaks are commonplace. But, OPEI’s Kris Kiser, President and CEO, recommends that homeowners “make sure they have a basic assortment of outdoor power or utility equipment on hand to stay safe and self-sufficient during an emergency.”

The equipment checklist below helps homeowners assess their preparedness for an unexpected weather event or other emergency – and offers some safety tips:

  1. Pole saws or pruners can help clear away dead or damaged limbs near your home or on your driveway. Make sure you always keep a firm footing on the ground when using such equipment. Do not use a ladder, and stay away from electrical conductors.
  2. A chain saw can help clear away trees and more massive limbs, but first read and understand the instruction manual and ensure equipment is in good condition. Do not work around power lines, since they can be the biggest threat to safety.
  3. Power generators can keep the lights on, refrigerators running and water flowing in an emergency.  Do not operate power generators, however, in enclosed areas. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can become concentrated in enclosed areas and cause serious injury or death.
  4. Snow throwers/snow blowers come in handy for significant snow events and are easier than shoveling for those who have medical conditions.  Be sure to read your operator’s manual and dress warmly to guard against exposure.
  5. Chippers and shredders help ease the physical hardship of post-storm cleanup.  Keep bystanders, pets, and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop the machine if anyone enters the area.
  6. Utility vehicles may seem like a luxury, but if you are in storm-prone areas of the country, they can be an important piece of equipment to help move branches, haul sandbags or maneuver through areas inaccessible to other vehicles.

Editors’ Notes: Consumers may find a list of safety tips for outdoor power equipment athttp://www.opei.org/education/safety/.  For a gallery of equipment photos, go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/75023139@N03/

About OPEI

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing more than 80 engine and equipment manufacturers worldwide in the utility, forestry, landscape, and lawn and garden industry. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety standards. For more information, visit www.OPEI.org.

Warm weather extends season in Southern Ontario

With winter on the doorstep these above seasonal temperatures in Southern Ontario have extended the season for property maintenance professionals. I know we have been able to get in a few extra jobs here at Murphy Property Maintenance. Waking up this morning to temperatures above 12C and yesterday topping at 14C really gives the feeling of spring rather than being a few weeks away from ‘winter’. By all means we are not complaining…it is nice not to have to bundle up everyday; dress like a Canadian :)

Mother nature is just late with the snow and it will soon be here. Our snow removal equipment is looking excited to get out and start working.

I know the weather is seasonally above average in Winnipeg as well. How is the weather where you are? Have you noticed above seasonal temperatures? How is it affecting your business?

LAWN MOWER HISTORY

Explore MTD’s lawn mower history graphic and see how lawn care has evolved from the original mower – the goat – to sophisticated machines.  In addition to the history and invention of the lawn mower, learn facts about the differences between gas and electric mowers and the environmental benefits of a manicured lawn.MTD Lawn Mower Parts

OPEI announces CARB enforcement reform becomes law

Governor Schwarzenegger Signs CARB Enforcement Reforms into Law, Announces CERT
–SB1402 passed both Senate and Assembly with unanimous, bipartisan support–

Alexandria, VA – September 30, 2010 – Californians for Enforcement Reform and Transparency (CERT) today announced that on September 28, 2010, Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB1402 into law. SB1402 immediately requires the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) enforcement program to be transparent, consistent and fair. CERT members applaud the Governor for signing this good government bill into law.

Former CARB Chairman and CERT member, John Dunlap, said, “We’re glad to see the bill signed so quickly and look forward to working with CARB to implement this bill. These reforms will help change the perception that CARB’s penalties are arbitrary and inconsistent, which will help restore the faith of the California business community.”

CERT is a diverse group of industries and trade associations with the goal of working cooperatively with CARB to enhance its compliance and enforcement programs.

“OPEI is pleased to see this important measure become law,” said Kris Kiser, EVP at the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. “OPEI looks forward to continuing its long-term partnership with CARB and the US EPA to create a transparent, fair and even playing field where there is strong enforcement against gross violations from non-compliant products.”

Senator Dutton, the incoming Republican Senate leader who drafted and sponsored the legislation, stated, “CARB holds businesses accountable when they violate the California regulations they oversee. The problem is that there was nothing that held CARB accountable in how the penalties were determined or the reason for the violation. This important piece of legislation is a significant step in the right direction in showing the business community that the State of California is willing to work with them.”

CARB is charged with attaining and maintaining air quality standards in the State of California, which includes the enforcement of air quality standards. Currently, it is not clear whether and how CARB applies criteria or policies when it assesses penalties. This resulted in a subjective, ad hoc enforcement program that did not clearly or consistently distinguish serious violations that harm air quality from minor administrative glitches.

With the exception of a formal penalty policy, which CARB is required to publish by March 1, 2011, SB1402 takes effect immediately. The new rules will require CARB to:

· provide a clear explanation of how penalties are assessed on a per-unit basis,
· develop a written, consistent penalty policy that ensures the largest penalties are imposed on serious violations that adversely impact air quality (due March 2011), and
· report those penalties to the Legislature annually.

For more information on CERT and its positions go to www.certreform.org.

Members of CERT are: American Home Furnishing Alliance; California Chapter of the American Fence Contractors Association; California Dump Truck Owner Association; California Motorcycle Dealers Association; California Moving and Storage Association; California Retailers Association; Construction Industry Air Quality Coalition; Engineering Contractors Association; Flasher/Barricade Association; Independent Waste Oil Collectors and Transporters; Marine Builders Association; Moving and Storage Association; National Marine Manufacturers Association; Outdoor Power Equipment Institute; Sand Car Manufacturers Association; Southern California Contractors Association; California Manufacturers and Technology Association.

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