Our Mission
The Global Aerosol Recycling Association (GARA) advocates for mitigating environmental impact and promoting sustainable reduction of aerosol waste through responsible recycling practices, standards, and programs. We serve as the leading collective voice for worldwide recyclers and producers of aerosol products, benefiting all who share a commitment to environmental preservation.
Our Vision
GARA is the catalyst for the reduction of aerosol waste worldwide. We are recognized as the leading global authority for trusted information, best practices, and solutions for responsible aerosol recycling.
What is GARA?
Our History
GARA was established to address the global challenges of aerosol recycling and sustainability. Since its founding, the association has worked tirelessly to advance responsible practices, support recycling innovation, and foster international collaboration. Today, GARA is a leading force in promoting the circular economy for aerosol products worldwide.
Meet Our Leadership
Mike MacKay – Board Chair and Founder
As co-founder of Despray Environmental, Mike MacKay is a trailblazer in the aerosol recycling industry. His extensive career spans leadership roles at Modular Fluid Power, Flodraulic Controls, EKO Environmental, and MacLean Engineering. Mike’s innovations in waste management and his dedication to sustainability have been instrumental in shaping GARA’s global impact.
Predrag Ozmo – Board Member
Predrag Ozmo is a Sustainability Director at Ball Corporation, where he leads sustainability initiatives for Ball’s Growth Ventures, with a focus on Personal & Home Care packaging products, including aluminum aerosol cans and bottles. In his role, Predrag drives engagement with global key accounts, collaborates on joint sustainability action plans with major customers, and advises global commercial and procurement teams on integrating sustainability into business strategies. His projects span packaging optimization, carbon footprint reduction, sustainable material sourcing, and advancing recycling and circularity in packaging. Over his tenure at Ball, Predrag has held several positions, including leading sustainability efforts for global beverage key accounts such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and AB InBev. Beyond his work at Ball, he has extensive experience in hazardous waste management, metal recycling, and other sustainability-focused fields. Predrag holds a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability from the University of Belgrade and a certification in Business Sustainability Management from the University of Cambridge. He is fluent in Serbian, English, and German.
Sanjeev Bagaria – Board Member
Sanjeev Bagaria is the CEO of GDB International Inc., headquartered in New Jersey, USA. He is a seasoned entrepreneur with three decades of experience in the paint and coatings industry. His passion and vast knowledge of the recycling business led to the founding of paint recyclying division of GDB International Inc, whilst his vision and practical approach as its CEO has made it the world's largest paint recycling company. As a responsible industry leader, he is the current President of the International Paint Recycling Association (IPRA) and has been associated with the American Paint Association for more than two decades. With his continuous innovation and excellence, his commitment to a zero-waste paint industry worldwide is becoming a reality.
Carlos Restrepo – Chief Staff Officer
Carlos Restrepo is a seasoned association professional, holding a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University and a Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives. With over 20 years of experience in association management, Carlos specializes in fostering collaboration, enhancing member engagement, and developing strategies to drive organizational success. His passion for sustainability and global partnerships strengthens GARA’s ability to achieve its mission.
Tom Mackay – Director of Safety
Tom Mackay embodies the spirit of what it means to be a true leader and mentor in health and safety excellence. A seasoned and resolute health and safety professional, his calling stemmed from personal experience advocating for better working conditions early in his career, and is a powerful story of dedication and the transformative impact of worker health and safety. Tom demonstrates exceptional leadership and a down-to-earth approach to develop, implement, and manage environmental and health and safety programs in Ontario and beyond, always fostering a cooperative culture across multiple organizations. His proactive involvement in legislative advocacy, and hands-on involvement in pivotal projects have been instrumental in establishing many safe work initiatives. Tom is an external auditor for the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program in Ontario, ISO 9001 and 45001 lead auditor and holds several professional certifications. Tom brings a lifetime of diverse health and safety experience. In his current role as director of safety with the Electrical Contractors Assossiation of Ontario, he leads the safety excellence program and represents the electrical construction industry on several provincial advisory committees. His knowledge and commitment to proactive, solutions-driven approaches, has made him a trusted advisor to industry leaders, supervisors, and workers alike. Looking ahead, Tom continues to advance environmental safety, leveraging his extensive experience to develop safer, healthier work environments.
Terry Godreau – Marketing Director
Terry Godreau leads GARA’s marketing efforts with creativity and innovation. With a background in digital marketing and content development, Terry drives awareness of GARA’s mission while building meaningful engagement with stakeholders. As co-owner of the Tilted Toque, Terry brings a personal passion for sustainability and community engagement to his professional work.
Tim Buxton – Technical Advisor
Tim Buxton, a senior leader at Grundon Waste Management, has over 20 years of experience in waste management and recycling of aerosols. With a degree in Chemistry from the University of Warwick, Tim's dedication to environmental improvement has been a driving force throughout his career. Tim has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge solutions for handling hazardous and non-hazardous waste. His strategic insight supports GARA’s global recycling initiatives. Tim has spearheaded technological advancements to accommodate the inhaler recycling market, ensuring propellants are separated and captured for recycling purposes. His efforts have not only pushed the boundaries of waste management but also aligned closely with Grundon's environmental and sustainability commitments.
Why GARA Matters
Each year, billions of aerosol cans are produced, with a significant portion ending up in landfills, contributing to environmental pollution. By promoting effective recycling practices, GARA aims to reduce this waste, conserve resources, and mitigate the environmental impact of aerosol products.
Join Us
Be a part of the movement for sustainable aerosol recycling. Whether you’re an individual, organization, or business, GARA offers opportunities to contribute to a greener future.