Reaction Distributing Inc. (RDI) engineers high-performance waste management systems that integrate precisely with architectural specifications, adapt to complex site conditions and optimize operational efficiency. For contractors, developers and architects, this means fewer design conflicts, smoother installations, safer operations and long-term savings through reduced labor and maintenance.
Its tailored approach has made the company a trusted partner for some of Canada’s most complex infrastructure projects, including high-rise condominiums and hospitals. RDI’s fully integrated waste management equipment works seamlessly with the building and its occupants.
“We embrace out-of-the-box thinking to create turnkey solid waste handling solutions,” says Larry Vine, president.
RDI’s success is driven by its dedication to engineering. In-house engineers create shop drawings that lay the foundation of every project. Rendered in 3D, these drawings give clients a clear picture of the equipment’s appearance upon completion. The process drives value and delivers effective waste management solutions that fit client needs.
Driving Long-Term Benefits with Early Waste Planning
RDI’s business model makes it stand out in the Canadian market. Since 1993, it has designed and built waste-handling systems from the ground up. The portfolio includes wet and dry waste systems, recycling systems, roll-off containers, high-rise residential compactors, trash chutes and cart tippers. They are engineered for the site’s exact footprint, waste profile and performance goals. From high-rises to industrial hubs, its custom approach transforms waste management strategy into a long-term advantage.
Its approach to each project is rooted in driving results, achieved through an elaborate two-step process of early planning and on-site refinement.
In the planning stage, RDI aims to engage architects, contractors and building owners as early as possible for every project. This can happen up to four years before the launch. It also offers design support for architects and their consultants at no additional cost.
The process starts with creating preliminary shop drawings based on architectural designs provided by the client. The drawings reflect systems offering the most user-friendly experience while meeting building security needs. Reducing the labor required to operate the systems is also a key focus during this stage. RDI prepares two sets; shop drawings based on architectural plans and as-built drawings.
Project managers review concept designs with clients to ensure they do not conflict with other systems in the building. Once the building construction is completed, its technicians visit the site to collect the dimensions necessary to create the final set of as-built drawings.
“Our process allows us to catch issues before they become problems,” says Vine.
The as-built drawings are then issued for the client’s final review. Once approved, the project moves to the fabrication stage. All systems are assembled and tested at the factory before being shipped to the client’s site. Combined with the installation team’s attention to detail, this ensures perfect installation in record time.
Locally sourced raw materials, combined with Ontario-based labor and design, ensure equipment that is proven and built to stand the test of time. Customers can rest assured that each system has a minimum working life of 25 years.
This rigorous process has earned RDI high praise from clients, especially in the high-rise condominium market, where preliminary drawings are provided within two weeks from the receipt of the contract.
A Full Suite of Waste Handling Solutions
RDI has been custom-designing sorting systems that work in conjunction with waste chutes inside buildings since 2006, when the Ontario government mandated multi-residential buildings to be equipped with garbage sorting systems.
Its design allows tenants and owners to sort garbage on each floor using equipment installed at the bottom of the chutes. To keep it user-friendly, the design incorporates a simple panel with three buttons that enable users to segregate organic, non-organic or recyclable waste.
Our process allows us to catch issues before they become problems
Its range of recycling systems includes everything from vertical balers of all shapes and sizes to horizontal closed-door balers for higher production capacities.
RDI’s vast product range is the result of its in-house perpetual equipment design philosophy. When clients come with a customized request, it engineers the equipment that fits their needs, which then becomes a part of its standard range.
Tailored Waste Solutions that Last Even in the Harshest Conditions
Success stories where RDI’s solutions have proven to be a game-changer are plentiful. Its attention to detail has earned client trust in the U.S. and Canada, particularly in complex infrastructure developments like the public-private hospital (P3) sector, where long-term operational reliability and sustainability are non-negotiable.
In one instance, a hospital group in North Dakota that was developing a new facility reached out with critical needs in their waste management system. The client wanted a solution that could efficiently function in the region’s extreme cold weather, reduce the labor required to handle the garbage and be safe enough for staff to operate without injury.
RDI entered the project during the early stages and designed a weather-proof, steel-reinforced solution. At the time, the building design included heaters to maintain optimum conditions within the facility. RDI replaced it with a structure featuring insulated walls and floors.
It equipped the facility with hydraulic cart tippers and fully integrated safety barriers. This meant that staff only had to place the cart on the tippers and operate the system from within the main building. With no manual lifting involved, the chance of injury in hospital settings was eliminated. The hydraulics were also winterized to ensure the system wouldn’t freeze in sub-zero temperatures.
The system was designed to be shipped to the site in a minimal number of pieces. No welding was involved, and the equipment was installed in short order. The high level of detail meant that the client invested in a system that would handle all their requirements for at least two decades.
Customer-Focused Training That Drives Safety and Longevity
Customer education and training are top priorities. RDI employs a two-step process to ensure clients experience the complete benefits of its waste management systems. First, it engages with architects and educates them on the best approach to integrating the equipment into the building. It automates the process to have the maximum impact on labor.
In most cases, it reiterates this process with the building owners and general contractors to ensure everyone is on the same page. Getting the maximum input as early as possible leads to the best-suited solution.
Once the equipment is installed, an extensive training session is provided for the staff. The unique train-the-trainer model involves training one staff member and taping the entire session. The recorded footage becomes training material for the rest of the team and can be rewatched, as needed.
Multiple sessions are performed with staff who will be handling the equipment. They are also provided with a detailed owner’s manual for reference. This rigorous training process ensures the client’s team knows the best practices to safely operate the equipment.
RDI emphasizes investing in people and technology, continually developing the skills of its engineers to design products that meet client needs, facilitate efficient building and require minimal welding on-site.
With a business model that delivers custom solutions for customer-specific needs and a team of experts aligned with this mission, RDI is setting the benchmark for excellence in waste management systems. With a strong foothold in the U.S. market through planned investments, it aims to continue growing and optimize waste management for its clients.
