Waste Plastics Collection and Treatment Infrastructure: A Needs Analysis to 2030

Client: Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Project Scope: Financial Analysis & Capital Advisory for Waste Plastics Infrastructure

Project Overview

SUMMIT72 provided financial analysis and capital advisory support for a national study assessing the infrastructure required to achieve Canada’s 2030 plastic diversion goals. Led by Dillon Consulting and Oakdene Hollins, this initiative evaluated waste plastics collection and treatment infrastructure to determine the investments needed for an expanded and more efficient recycling system.

Financial Analysis & Capital Investment Planning

To support ECCC’s waste diversion targets, SUMMIT72 conducted a comprehensive financial assessment, focusing on:

• Capital investment requirements to establish the necessary industrial capacity for plastic processing.

• Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) to determine the optimal mix of new, expanded, and upgraded recycling infrastructure.

• Geographic and economic considerations, including cost variances, economies of scale, market density, energy consumption, and transportation impacts, to identify regional competitive advantages.

  
  

Economic & Environmental Impact Assessment

Beyond financial feasibility, SUMMIT72 assessed the broader economic and environmental impacts of scaling up plastic diversion efforts:

• Economic Impact Analysis: Evaluated direct, indirect, and induced impacts on GDP, employment, wages, and tax revenue resulting from expanded recycling capacity.

• Environmental Impact Assessment: Estimated greenhouse gas emissions linked to increased recycling activities and identified mitigation strategies, including renewable energy adoption and vehicle electrification.

Deliverables & Strategic Impact

This study provided data-driven insights to support Canada’s transition toward enhanced plastic waste management infrastructure. SUMMIT72’s expertise in financial analysis, capital planning, and economic impact assessment ensured a rigorous evaluation of the infrastructure investments needed to achieve the Federal Government's 2030 recycling and sustainability objectives.