Solid Waste Management Plan Update

Draft Solid Waste Management Plan

Thank you to everyone who has contributed input to the region’s draft Solid Waste Management Plan. The GVS&DD Board endorsed the draft plan (available below).

View the final draft plan

Any additional comments received before August 1 will be provided to the Minister of Environment and Parks when the plan is submitted for approval.

Share your comments before August 1, 2026

Complete the public feedback form
Email zerowaste@metrovancouver.org
Call the Metro Vancouver Information Centre at 604-432-6200 to set up a phone conversation with staff

Project overview

Metro Vancouver is responsible for waste reduction and recycling planning, and operating a series of solid waste facilities in the region.

Metro Vancouver's current Solid Waste Management Plan was approved by the BC Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy in 2011. The plan established goals, strategies, and actions for the management of garbage and recyclable materials for Metro Vancouver and its member jurisdictions.

Provincial guidelines recommend initiating a plan review on or before the 10-year anniversary of the current plan’s approval.

Progress

The GVS&DD Board has endorsed the draft Solid Waste Management Plan. Any additional comments received before August 1 will be provided to the Ministry of Environment and Parks when the draft plan is submitted for approval.

Read the draft Solid Waste Management Plan

The draft plan builds on Metro Vancouver’s current solid waste plan and reflects multiple years of research, engagement, and collaboration. The draft plan outlines:

A vision and goals to guide the transition to a thriving region where resources are valued and nothing is wasted
Strategies and actions that support reuse, recycling, and waste prevention, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from solid waste
Management of residual garbage as a last resort

Engagement

Metro Vancouver is committed to engaging audiences who may be impacted by or have an interest in the review and update of the solid waste management plan.

Pre-Engagement (April 27 to 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 to November 10, 2023)
Vision: A thriving region where nothing is wasted and resources are valued.

Guiding Principles:
1. A solid waste and recycling system that is affordable, convenient, and consistent across the region
2. A solid waste system that is resilient to climate change and future challenges
3. Accountability from residents, businesses and governments to prevent waste
4. Environmental stewardship and climate action
5. Inclusive solid waste services and programs
6. Innovation and collaboration to support a vibrant regional economy that keeps products and materials in circulation
7. Transparency about what happens to garbage and recycling
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
- Online and in-person workshops
- Opportunity to present to the Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel
- Interviews with interested parties and community champions
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 – Updated March 2026
Idea generation engagement (September to 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 Consultation and Engagement Panel on January 17, 2025 about feedback on the idea generation phase of the engagement process. View a recording of the meeting.
- Collaborative engagement program
Resources
- Backgrounder – Solid Waste Management Plan Idea Generation
- Informational Handouts Supporting Discussion Topics – Idea Generation
We heard about your ideas on how products and materials that become waste can be reduced, reused, and recycled. Overall, our engagement with First Nations, member jurisdictions, advisory committees, non-profit organizations, businesses and associations, and public generated over 2,000 ideas for potential actions for an updated plan.

A report summarizing the feedback we received during the idea generation phase of engagement was presented to the Metro Vancouver Zero Waste Committee on July 3, 2025 and the GVS&DD Board on July 25, 2025. As a result of engagement feedback and research, draft goals and a draft waste hierarchy for an updated plan were developed and were endorsed by the GVS&DD Board.
- View the report to the Zero Waste Committee on Idea Generation Engagement
- View the report to the Zero Waste Committee on Draft Goals and Waste Hierarchy
Find information on the feedback provided by residents:
- Idea Generation Phase Engagement Summary Report
- Idea Generation Feedback One-Pager
Find more detailed information in the feedback log:
- Idea Generation Phase Feedback Log
An update was completed in August 2025 to remove duplicates and add a response column for Metro Vancouver.
Options analysis (September to October 31, 2025)
Public engagement for the Options Analysis phase took place from August 18 to October 31, 2026. A report summarizing the feedback received during the options analysis phase of engagement was presented to the Metro Vancouver Zero Waste Committee on March 5, 2026 and will go to the GVS&DD Board on March 27, 2026.

In earlier phases of engagement, we heard input on values, challenges, and ideas for the updated plan. In the Options Analysis phase the goal was to evaluate the ideas that were generated by applying decision-making criteria and gathering feedback on potential strategies and actions to include in the updated solid waste management plan. This was the final step before drafting the new plan.
- Options Analysis: Backgrounder
Find information on the feedback received:
- Options Analysis Engagement Summary Report
Find information on the feedback received:
- Options Analysis Phase Feedback Log
Presentations from the public to the Consultation and Engagement Panel were held on February 11, 2026 about feedback on the options analysis phase of the engagement process.
Questions? Reach out to the project team at zerowaste@metrovancouver.org.

Resources

View a list of potential actions and strategies being considered for inclusion in the updated solid waste management plan.

View the process to evaluate potential strategies and actions:
- Full List of Ideas Received From Idea Generation Engagement
- Assessment of Potential Strategies and Actions Completed By Stantec
  - Rethink
  - Reduce
  - Reuse
  - Recycle
  - Recover
- Options Analysis Rubric
- Draft Summary of Ideas Staff Consider Unadvisable
- Draft Summary of Ideas Staff Will Consider as Part of Other Plan Parts
Draft plan (January 22 to February 20, 2026)
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback during the initial draft plan review phase from January 22 to February 20, 2026.

A revised draft plan was provided to the Metro Vancouver Zero Waste Committee on April 2, 2026 and to the GVS&DD Board on April 24, 2026. The draft was endorsed by the GVS&DD Board.

View the April 2 Zero Waste Committee agenda

The draft Plan was shaped by input received during the multiple phases of engagement and supporting studies, including input from advisory committees, First Nations, member jurisdiction staff, organizations and businesses, and the public.

Find information on the feedback received on the initial draft plan:
If you have any questions about Metro Vancouver’s draft solid waste management plan, require additional information, or wish to schedule a call or meeting please contact staff at zerowaste@metrovancouver.org.

Groups included in engagement

Government and regulatory agencies: including First Nations in BC*, provincial and federal governments, member jurisdictions, adjacent regional districts, crown corporations, airport and port authorities, and health authorities
Waste and recycling industry: including haulers, processors, extended producer responsibility programs, disposal facilities, waste/recycling industry associations, binner community, and reuse/repair organizations
Waste producers: including various sectors such as food service, grocery, construction, tourism, office and property management, real estate, retail, residents, and educational institutions
Industry and business associations: professional associations
Community, environmental and non-profit groups: non-governmental organizations (NGOs), youth and students, and Indigenous Peoples
Metro Vancouver residents: community members from all 23 member jurisdictions

*Indigenous People are invited to participate in all public engagement activities. A separate First Nations engagement strategy focuses on government-to-government engagement with First Nations.

Collaborative Engagement Program

The Collaborative Engagement Program was a part of engagement on the draft plan and supported diversity, equity and inclusion in the public engagement process by collaborating with and hearing from people who otherwise may not be aware of or have access to opportunities to help inform the plan update.

Through this program, Metro Vancouver provided funding and support for not-for-profit organizations to engage with their networks to provide ideas and feedback. Organizations that support underrepresented or equity-denied communities, youth, seniors, Indigenous people, and environmental groups were integral to this work. Find out more about the Collaborative Engagement Program.

Solid Waste Management Plan Public/Technical Advisory Committee

The Public/Technical Advisory Committee provided advice and input on the development of an updated solid waste management plan. The Public/Technical Advisory Committee has concluded its work. Metro Vancouver is grateful to all committee members for their commitment and valuable contributions to the draft Solid Waste Management Plan.

Learn about the Public/Technical Advisory Committee

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

Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel

Project reports

Resources

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