NEWS: Canada pioneers window recycling to cut landfill waste

In a significant stride towards a more circular economy, Canada’s prominent vinyl and fenestration industry groups have launched a pioneering pilot programme to recycle end-of-life vinyl window frames and insulating glass units. The initiative, led by the Vinyl Institute of Canada and the Canadian Fenestration Association, aims to divert thousands of tonnes of material from landfills annually.

Initially focusing on post-consumer vinyl from single-family homes in Ontario, the programme plans to expand to British Columbia and Quebec by 2026. Participating manufacturers will be responsible for collecting and processing used frames, separating the PVC profiles for regranulation and repurposing glass components into new insulating units. This closed-loop recycling approach promises both reduced raw-material costs and a smaller environmental footprint.

The launch comes amid increasing regulatory pressure on waste in the construction sector and underscores the industry’s commitment to sustainable practices. While vinyl window recycling has historically lagged behind other materials like aluminium and steel due to contamination issues, the consortium is confident that innovative sorting technologies and collaborations with municipal recycling programmes will overcome these challenges. Should the scheme prove successful, it could provide a vital blueprint for future North American retrofitting projects and substantially lower the lifecycle emissions associated with fenestration products.

Why this matters: With more nations beginning to tackle the challenges of disposing of vinyl windows the sector is looked on more favourably by consumers. It’s a slow process, but with major countries now taking the lead there is the hope they will add pressure to other countries, large and small.