Solid Waste Management Plan Update

• Technical research and studies supporting the plan update

  Metro Vancouver is undertaking technical studies to support the update. This evidence-based information will be used to inspire idea generation and guide the analysis of options to accelerate waste reduction and recycling while reducing greenhouse gases and promoting a circular economy region.

  The studies will provide information on:

  • Current challenges and opportunities
  • Global best practices
  • The latest research and new technologies,
  • The financial, social, and environmental impacts of options and initiatives

  Information from the technical studies will be shared as background information during engagement to help First Nations, local residents, businesses, and communities of interest propose ideas, compare options, and support actions that will be incorporated into the plan.

  Metro Vancouver Recycling and Solid Waste Management Annual and Biennial Reports

  The annual recycling and solid waste management reports and the biennial integrated solid waste management plan progress reports both provide baseline information and data about how garbage and recycling is managed in Metro Vancouver. These reports contain updates about annual behavioral change campaigns, research, policies, events, and recycling and waste quantities. They also contain a snapshot of how the region is performing against goals and aspirations set out in the solid waste management plan. View the 2022 report below.

  Metro Vancouver Recycling and Solid Waste Management 2022 Report

Public engagement phases​​

• Pre-Engagement (April 27 – May 28, 2021)

  The public pre-engagement phase ran from April 27 to May 28, 2021, with Indigenous pre-engagement extending to July 2, 2021 in alignment with Metro Vancouver’s Crown Regulatory Engagement process. Metro Vancouver received feedback from First Nations, communities of interest, key stakeholder groups, and residents on preferred communication channels, methods of engagement, and what is needed to make participation easier.

  We heard support for:

  • Early, continuous, and iterative opportunities to provide feedback
  • A variety of online and in-person (when safe to do so) engagement opportunities
  • Focused, sector-specific discussions
  • Sufficient time to gather and submit feedback
  • Clearly defined engagement purpose and expectations, and respect for the time required of busy stakeholders
  • Transparency on how input is used, and factors considered when coming to a final decision
  • Collaboration with others to host engagement events and amplify communications
  • Fair and collaborative engagement that fosters active listening and an open mind

  We received feedback through:

  • 335 online questionnaire submissions
  • 13 meetings with staff
  • Four workshops and presentations
  • Eight groups presented to the Consultation and Engagement Panel
  • Written submissions from 6 organizations
  • Updates to three municipal committees
  • Four social media platforms

  Metro Vancouver will use the feedback from this pre-engagement phase to help shape a multi-phased engagement program on the solid waste management plan update.

  The results of the pre-engagement phase were reported to the Zero Waste Committee on July 16, 2021:

  • Pre Engagement Results – Solid Waste Management Plan Update - Report
  • Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel - Correspondence
• Vision and guiding principles engagement (September 18 – November 10, 2023)

  The purpose of this phase of engagement was to:

  • Invite dialogue around the fundamental values that will guide plan development
  • Develop the vision and guiding principles for an updated solid waste management plan

  In spring 2023, Metro Vancouver met with local First Nations, member jurisdictions, adjacent regional districts, advisory committees, and the public on the vision and guiding principles for the plan.

  Initial feedback was reported to the Zero Waste Committee on July 13, 2023:

  • Solid Waste Management Plan: Vision and Guiding Principles Engagement Initial Feedback

  Public engagement for the vision and guiding principles phase included these engagement opportunities:

  • An online questionnaire
  • Opportunities to speak with the solid waste services team at community events across the region including:
    • Shipyards Festival in North Vancouver
    • River Fest in New Westminster
    • Car Free Day in Vancouver
    • Farmers Market in Pitt Meadows
    • Diwali in Surrey
  • Online and in-person workshops
    • Watch the virtual workshop recording
    • View the workshop presentation
  • Opportunity to present to the Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel
    • Watch the panel session recording
    • View panel session presentations
  • Interviews with interested parties and community champions

  Metro Vancouver also worked with 14 not-for-profit organizations, who organized engagement activities to listen and learn from their audiences and networks.

  Metro Vancouver incorporated the feedback from this engagement phase to develop the vision and guiding principles for the updated solid waste management plan.

  Vision: A thriving region where nothing is wasted and resources are valued.

  Guiding Principles:

  1. Accountability from residents, businesses and governments to prevent waste
  2. Transparency about what happens to garbage and recycling
  3. A solid waste system that is resilient to climate change and future challenges
  4. Inclusive solid waste services and programs
  5. Innovation and collaboration to support a vibrant regional economy that keeps products and materials in circulation
  6. Environmental stewardship and climate action
  7. A solid waste and recycling system that is affordable, convenient, and consistent across the region

  These guiding principles will help to shape the next phase of engagement: idea generation.

  The vision and guiding principles were approved by the GVS&DD Board on June 28, 2024.

  Find information on the feedback provided by residents:

  • Vision and Guiding Principles Phase Engagement Summary Report
  • Vision and Guiding Principles Feedback One-Pager

  Find more detailed information in the feedback log:

  • Phase 1 Feedback Log
• Idea generation engagement (September – November, 2024)

  Public engagement for the idea generation phase of the plan’s update took place from September 16 to November 8, 2024. We heard from Metro Vancouver residents about ideas and opportunities to reduce waste and build innovation into the future of waste management in our region. The feedback received will result in a set of potential actions and strategies to be evaluated in the following phase: options analysis.

  Feedback was received during this phase through:

  • An online questionnaire
  • Interactive booths at seven community events across the region
  • Presentations from the public to the Zero Waste Committee and Public/Technical Advisory Committee about ideas for the future of waste management in the region. View a recording of the meeting, or review the agenda and presentation slides.
  • Presentations to the Consultation and Engagement Panel on January 7, 2025. Complete this form to indicate interest

  Sign up for the latest updates about opportunities to participate in the idea generation phase of engagement.

  Sign up

Consultation and Engagement Panel​

• Members and terms of reference

  The Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel, established by the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District Board, was formed to act as an independent, third party advising staff and the Board on consultation and engagement.

  A comprehensive engagement program involving a broad range of stakeholders and perspectives will be a critical element in the development of an updated plan. Recognizing this, Metro Vancouver has taken the unique approach of convening a panel of engagement experts to guide the development and implementation of a robust and inclusive engagement process. The Panel reports to the Board during all phases of plan development.

  • Andrea Reimer, Chair
  • Cheryl Brooks, Panelist
  • Peter Fassbender, Panelist
  • Veronika Bylicki, Panelist
  • Metro Vancouver Director Sarah Kirby-Yung, Zero Waste Committee Liaison

  • See full bios
  • See terms of reference