Home / Environment / Wetsuits Banned: Landfill Embraces Upcycling Future
Wetsuits Banned: Landfill Embraces Upcycling Future
2 Oct
Summary
- A landfill now bans neoprene wetsuits, redirecting them to recycling.
- Old wetsuits are upcycled through a Surfrider Foundation program.
- This initiative aims to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable materials.
The West Coast Landfill, situated near Tofino and Ucluelet on Vancouver Island, has implemented a ban on neoprene wetsuits. This decision positions the landfill as a pioneer in sustainable waste management within the country. The amendment, adopted on September 23rd, prohibits wetsuits from landfill disposal.
Instead, retired wetsuits are now directed to the adjacent Ocean Plastic Depot for recycling. This facility collaborates with the Surfrider Foundation Canada, which operates an upcycling program. This ensures that neoprene, a non-biodegradable synthetic plastic, is diverted from landfills.
ACRD board chair Jon Jack highlighted the initiative's benefits, including waste reduction and support for local innovation. Surfrider Foundation, dedicated to ocean protection, has advocated for such measures since 2016. Their 'ReSurf' program has successfully kept over 10,000 pounds of wetsuits from landfills in the past year.
The foundation encourages gear companies to transition from neoprene to more sustainable alternatives like Yulex, a plant-based rubber with a lower carbon footprint. This broader goal aims to reduce the industry's reliance on synthetic plastics and minimize chemical usage.
