The Pulse: Dec. 16, 2024

Drink pouches are ubiquitous but hard to recycle, a problem that a new three-year research project by the Alberta Beverage Container Recycling Corporation at NAIT's Applied Research department is working to solve.

"The drink pouches are problematic due to the multiple layers, but they are recyclable," Guy West, president and CEO of the recycling corporation, told Taproot. "Ideally, we would like (a) higher quality of recycling if we can. But right now, nobody has that solution, so that's why we've partnered with NAIT."

The recycling corporation is responsible for collecting and recycling all beverage containers that bottle depots receive in Alberta. That includes drink pouches (think Capri Sun, Kool-Aid Jammers, or Fruit-tella pouches), which, unlike most other beverage containers, lack a consistent form or construction. This makes them difficult to recycle to their greatest potential because they are often made of layers of materials, including aluminum, plastic, and paper.

Currently, Alberta's drink pouches end up in British Columbia, where they're incinerated for byproducts used to supplement natural gas in industrial processes. The aluminum, plastic, and paper in the pouches can meet the higher-quality-of-recycling criteria West mentioned, but only if they are separated.

As NAIT begins the first stage of the $300,000 research project, one expert said chemical options might help separate the materials to allow pouches to meet high-quality criteria for recycling.

"There are a variety of different techniques that can be done," Kelsey Deutsch, an industrial surface chemist who is part of the clean technologies team at NAIT Applied Research, told Taproot. "One of them is using solvents to try and separate the different layers. We would potentially look at mixing the pouches in small pieces and stirring them in solution or solvent at an elevated temperature. Perhaps there's also other techniques, such as pyrolysis, which is heating the pouches and the plastics in an inert atmosphere to try and break down those chemical constituents into smaller building blocks."

• Edmonton Police Commission chair John McDougall has moved to Portugal full-time but said he intends to continue his work with the oversight board remotely. While McDougall's term as chair is set to end this month, his term as commissioner isn't set to end until December 2026. "This is not unusual, to conduct business by Zoom. It started with COVID, and the majority of organizations now have a hybrid program," he told Postmedia in an interview from Portugal. The news has sparked criticism from some who argue a role on the police commission should require local residency, which has not been mandatory since 2021. "I want a police commission that is filled with Edmontonians," said Coun. Michael Janz.
• Albertans are facing significant delays in getting new passports due to a Canada Post strike that began on Nov. 15 and a flood that temporarily closed the passport office at Canada Place in downtown Edmonton. Many experienced long waits at alternative locations such as the office at Londonderry Mall, while others travelled to Calgary to get expedited passports.
• The Edmonton Police Service is reporting a significant increase in porch piracy, with a 47% rise in parcel thefts in September and October compared to the same time last year. In some cases, thieves follow delivery trucks and snatch the parcel almost as soon as it is delivered, police said. As Christmas approaches, they urge residents to take precautions such as tracking packages, arranging secure delivery locations, and using doorbell cameras.
• Edmonton non-profit Basically Babies is seeking donations to provide sets of baby clothing and essentials to families in need. The organization has a goal of distributing 1,200 layettes, which are sets of clothing and necessities for the first year of a newborn's life. It has partnered with more than 130 agencies in Edmonton and Calgary to support families struggling with rising costs of living. Donations, including gently used baby clothes, can be dropped off at their Edmonton location. Cash donations will be matched through the organization's Quadruple Your Gift campaign until Dec. 31.
• A memorial was held in Edmonton to honour 20-year-old security guard Harshandeep Singh, who was fatally shot while patrolling an apartment building on Dec. 6. Singh was recognized as a first responder by the Alberta First Responders Association, highlighting the risks faced by security guards and calling for greater recognition of their profession. Singh, who came to Canada from India 18 months ago, was studying business at NorQuest College and aspired to become a police officer.
• Madison Feehan, a 21-year-old from Edmonton and CEO of Space Copy, is developing a 3D printer that can convert lunar soil into essential equipment for astronauts, potentially reducing the high costs and logistical challenges of space missions. Her company is working on a prototype to be tested in cislunar space, with applications also considered for extreme environments on Earth.
• Edmonton was ranked the 27th most liveable city in Canada according to a list published by the Globe and Mail, which evaluates factors like transportation and access to amenities. Calgary ranked seventh and St. Albert was two positions ahead of Edmonton in 25th place. Earlier this year, Edmonton ranked 65th on Resonance and Ipsos Research's World's Best Cities for 2025.
• Candy Cane Lane is set to delight visitors in west Edmonton for the 55th year. The festive light display has also served as an annual fundraiser for Edmonton's Food Bank by collecting more than 600,000 kilograms of food since 1993. This year, visitors also have the option to donate to the food bank via QR codes on site.
• The Edmonton Oilers are showing a resurgence reminiscent of last season's performance after a slow start, securing a 6-3 victory over division-leading Vegas Golden Knights for their fifth straight win. The team is now focused on maintaining their momentum as they look toward the playoffs.

Here are some events happening today in the Edmonton area.

• Library Lunchtime Concert starting at 12:15pm at Edmonton Public Library (Stanley A. Milner)
• Messed Up Mondays starting at 6pm at Pub 1905
• Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers starting at 6:30pm at Rogers Place
• Poet's Haven Reading Series starting at 7pm at Upper Crust Cafe
• Light Me Up: A Night of Songs starting at 7:30pm at Metro Cinema
• Until Dec. 22: Local Author Festive Signings at Audreys Books

And here are some upcoming events to keep in mind:

• Dec. 22: Brunch with Santa at Sherbrooke Community Hall
• Dec. 29: High Tea at Butternut Tree
• Dec. 30: Book Club at Audreys Books

Visit the beta version of the Taproot Edmonton Calendar for many more events in the Edmonton region.