Solid Waste Resources for K-12

Classroom-ready resources support learning about solid waste management in Metro Vancouver, from your home to a recycling and waste centre, and beyond.

Overview

With a recycling rate of 65% – roughly twice the Canadian average – Metro Vancouver is a recycling leader in North America. Even so, we continue to strive toward a zero waste future, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote a circular economy. Metro Vancouver is responsible for planning to reduce waste, improving reuse and recycling systems, and environmentally responsible management and disposal of waste that can’t be recycled.

Some of the waste we manage does not have to be there. Wise purchasing, repair and reuse of goods, and better access to recycling all mean less waste going to disposal. ​

Curriculum connections

Waste is a key conceptual focus throughout the big ideas and core content of BC’s K-12 curriculum, from simpler explorations at the Elementary level to more complex inquiries during the Secondary years.​

I​nquiry spark activities

These flexible activities aim to spark curiosity, develop competencies and promote inquiry.

What’s in your waste? Exploring th​e top Six2Fix

How much solid waste do we produce in our region every year? What is our waste composed of? What can I do about it? This activity aims to spark student inquiry and exploration about the waste we generate every day, and how we can be wiser about our choices related to waste. In particular, there are six items we regularly throw away that shouldn’t be there. Meet the Top Six2Fix!

​Where does our waste ​​go?

Where does our waste go? What facilities and processes are involved? This inquiry spark activity explores key questions about waste disposal, reduction, reuse and recycling, and how our everyday choices will have an impact on the livability of our region and planet in the decades to come.​​

Activity ideas

These brief activity ideas can be adapted into more fulsome activities to guide learner inquiry.

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