METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT ZERO WASTE … · 2021. 1. 22. · Presentation material titled...

January 15, 2021

METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT ZERO WASTE COMMITTEE

REGULAR MEETING

Friday, January 22, 2021 9:00 a.m.

28th Floor Boardroom, 4730 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia

A G E N D A1

OPENING REMARKS Director Sav Dhaliwal, Board Chair

1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

1.1 January 22, 2021 Regular Meeting AgendaThat the Zero Waste Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for January 22, 2021 as circulated.

2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

2.1 November 6, 2020 Regular Meeting MinutesThat the Zero Waste Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held November 6, 2020 as circulated.

3. DELEGATIONS

4. INVITED PRESENTATIONS

5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF

5.1 2021 Zero Waste Committee Priorities and Work PlanThat the Zero Waste Committee endorse the work plan as presented in the report dated January 14, 2021, titled “2021 Zero Waste Committee Priorities and Work Plan”.

5.2 Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel: Progress Update That the GVS&DD Board receive for information the report dated January 14, 2021, titled “Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel: Progress Update”.

1 Note: Recommendation is shown under each item, where applicable.

Zero Waste Committee

Zero Waste Committee Regular Agenda January 22, 2021

Agenda of 2

5.3 Alternative Fuel and Recyclables Recovery Interim Processing Strategy That the GVS&DD Board approve initiating procurement for the processing of approximately 60,000 tonnes per year of small load waste to recover recyclables and alternative fuel.

5.4 Manager’s Report That the Zero Waste Committee receive for information the report dated January 15, 2021 titled “Manager’s Report”.

6. INFORMATION ITEMS

6.1 Correspondence re CleanBC Plastics Action Plan Implementation Update from Ministry of Environment and Climate Change

6.2 School and Youth Leadership Programs: Engaging K-12 Audiences Through Curriculum and Leadership Programs

6.3 Correspondence re Proposed Integrated Management Approach to Plastics Products to Prevent Waste and Pollution to Environment and Climate Change Canada

6.4 Correspondence re 2020 Recycling Regulation Policy Intentions Paper – Metro Vancouver Submission to Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

7. OTHER BUSINESS

8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONS

9. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETING

10. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSIONThat the Zero Waste Committee adjourn/conclude its regular meeting of January 22, 2021.

Membership: Froese, Jack (C) - Langley Township Hodge, Craig (VC) - Coquitlam Calendino, Pietro - Burnaby Elford, Doug - Surrey

Fathers, Helen - White Rock Fry, Pete - Vancouver Little, Mike - North Vancouver District Martin, Gayle - Langley City

McDonald, Bruce - Delta Morden, Mike - Maple Ridge Steves, Harold - Richmond Vagramov, Rob - Port Moody


Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the MVRD Zero Waste Committee held on Friday, November 6, 2020 Page 1 of 4

METRO VANCOUVER REGIONAL DISTRICT ZERO WASTE COMMITTEE

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD) Zero Waste Committee held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2020 in the 28th Floor Boardroom, 4730 Kingsway, Burnaby, British Columbia.

MEMBERS PRESENT: Chair, Mayor Jack Froese*, Langley Township Vice Chair, Councillor Craig Hodge*, Coquitlam Councillor Pietro Calendino*, Burnaby Councillor Doug Elford*, Surrey Councillor Pete Fry*, Vancouver (arrived at 1:03 p.m.) Mayor Mike Little*, North Vancouver District Councillor Gayle Martin*, Langley City Councillor Bruce McDonald*, Delta Mayor Mike Morden*, Maple Ridge (arrived at 1:22 p.m.) Councillor Harold Steves*, Richmond Mayor Rob Vagramov*, Port Moody

MEMBERS ABSENT: Councillor Craig Cameron, West Vancouver Councillor Helen Fathers, White Rock

STAFF PRESENT: Paul Henderson, General Manager, Solid Waste Services Lauren Cichon, Legislative Services Coordinator, Board and Information Services

1. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

1.1 November 6, 2020 Regular Meeting Agenda

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Zero Waste Committee adopt the agenda for its regular meeting scheduled for November 6, 2020 as circulated.

CARRIED

1:03 p.m. Councillor Fry arrived at the meeting.

*denotes electronic meeting participation as authorized by Section 3.6.2 of the Procedure Bylaw

2.1



2. ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

2.1 October 16, 2020 Regular Meeting Minutes

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Zero Waste Committee adopt the minutes of its regular meeting held October 16, 2020 as circulated.

CARRIED

3. DELEGATIONSNo items presented.

4. INVITED PRESENTATIONSNo items presented.

5. REPORTS FROM COMMITTEE OR STAFF

5.1 Recycling and Solid Waste Management 2019 ReportReport dated October 30, 2020, from Maria Lo, Assistant Project Engineer, Solid Waste Services, updating the Zero Waste Committee on progress towards the waste reduction and recycling goals outlined in the Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan for the calendar year 2019.

Members were provided with a presentation highlighting the Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan targets, information sources, recycling rates and material types, and reuse estimates.

Members discussed the potential for expanding efforts to support repairing, and exploring potential opportunities to work with adjacent regional districts to increase waste diversion.

Presentation material titled “Recycling and Solid Waste Management 2019 Report” is retained with the November 6, 2020 Zero Waste Committee agenda.

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Zero Waste Committee: a) receive for information the report dated October 30, 2020 titled “Recycling

and Solid Waste Management 2019 Report”; andb) direct staff to report back on current actions and opportunities to support

repairing and on potential opportunities for inter-regional initiatives toincrease overall waste diversion, including emerging technologies.

CARRIED

1:22 p.m. Mayor Morden arrived at the meeting.



5.2 Coffee Cup Revolution Funding Support Report dated October 29, 2020, from Andrew Marr, Director of Solid Waste Planning, Solid Waste Services, seeking GVS&DD Board approval of funding for the Binner’s Project Coffee Cup Revolution event for a three-year period in the amount of $10,000 per year, commencing January 1, 2021, and ending December 31, 2023.

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the GVS&DD Board approve an agreement between the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District and MakeWay Charitable Society in support of the Binner’s Project Coffee Cup Revolution for a three-year period in the amount of $10,000 per year, commencing January 1, 2021, and ending December 31, 2023.

CARRIED

5.3 Metro Vancouver Solid Waste Facility Names Report dated October 30, 2020, from Stephanie Liu, Communications and Education Coordinator, Solid Waste Services, providing an update on new names for Metro Vancouver’s network of solid waste facilities, including two new facilities currently under construction in Coquitlam and Surrey.

Members were provided with a presentation regarding Metro Vancouver’s Solid Waste Facilities highlighting challenges, considerations, feedback, and implications.

Presentation material titled “Metro Vancouver Solid Waste Facility Naming Options” is retained with the November 6, 2020 Zero Waste Committee agenda.

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the GVS&DD Board receive for information the report dated October 30, 2020, titled “Metro Vancouver Solid Waste Facility Names”.

CARRIED

5.4 Manager’s Report Report dated October 29, 2020, from Paul Henderson, General Manager, Solid Waste Services, updating the Zero Waste Committee on the 2020 Zero Waste Conference, 2020 Waste in its Place and Personal Protective Equipment communications, United Boulevard and Central Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres construction, Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel, and the Committee’s 2020 Work Plan.

Members were informed to contact Paul Henderson, General Manager, Solid Waste Services, for assistance with registering for the 2020 Zero Waste Conference.

The Chair updated members on the first meeting of the Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel.



Members were provided a Metro Vancouver video presentation regarding construction of the United Boulevard and Central Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres. Video presentation material is not retained with the agenda.

It was MOVED and SECONDED That the Zero Waste Committee receive for information the report dated October 29, 2020 titled “Manager’s Report”.

CARRIED

6. INFORMATION ITEMS

It was MOVED and SECONDEDThat the Zero Waste Committee receive for information the following Information Item:6.1 Correspondence dated October 1, 2020, from Jack Froese, Mayor, Township of

Langley, addressed to Chris Allan, Director, Solid Waste Operations, Metro Vancouver, regarding Recycling Depots at Metro Vancouver Transfer Stations.

CARRIED

7. OTHER BUSINESSNo items presented.

8. BUSINESS ARISING FROM DELEGATIONSNo items presented.

9. RESOLUTION TO CLOSE MEETINGNo items presented.

10. ADJOURNMENT/CONCLUSION

It was MOVED and SECONDEDThat the Zero Waste Committee conclude its regular meeting of November 6, 2020.

CARRIED (Time: 1:44 p.m.)

____________________________ ____________________________ Lauren Cichon, Jack Froese, Chair Legislative Services Coordinator

42077681 FINAL


42633616

To: Zero Waste Committee

From: Paul Henderson, General Manager, Solid Waste Services

Date: January 14, 2021 Meeting Date: January 22, 2021

Subject: 2021 Zero Waste Committee Priorities and Work Plan

RECOMMENDATION That the Zero Waste Committee endorse the work plan as presented in the report dated January 14, 2021 titled “2021 Zero Waste Committee Priorities and Work Plan”.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This report outlines the priorities and activities in the work plan for the Zero Waste Committee in 2021 to advance the region’s zero waste and circular economy goals. A highlight of the work plan is launching engagement on the development of a new solid waste management plan to advance waste reduction and recycling while maximizing local benefit. 2021 will also see the completion of the new United Boulevard and Central Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres: facilities that maximize recycling opportunities and reduce travel time, traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions for users of the regional solid waste system. A new funding strategy for regional recycling depots will be brought forward to the Zero Waste Committee and Board for consideration, and the business case for the Waste-to-Energy Facility District Energy system will be finalized.

PURPOSE To provide the Zero Waste Committee with the priorities and work plan for the year 2021.

BACKGROUND At its October 16, 2020 meeting, the Zero Waste Committee reviewed the 2021 Budget and Annual Work Plans for the Solid Waste Services function, which served as the basis for the 2021 Budget approved by the GVS&DD Board on October 30, 2020. The 2021 Annual Work Plans included in that budget contain a list of key actions that have been used to develop the Zero Waste Committee’s work plan presented in this report as Attachment 1.

The work plan presented in this report is consistent with the Zero Waste Committee Terms of Reference (Attachment 2) and with the Board Strategic Plan and is being brought forward for the Committee’s information, review and endorsement.

2021 WORK PLAN The Zero Waste Committee is the standing committee of the Metro Vancouver Board that provides advice and recommendations on policies, bylaws, plans, programs, budgets, and issues related to the solid waste function.

Key actions in the 2021 Work Plan for the Committee are described below and listed according to the Committee responsibilities in its Terms of Reference.

5.1


2021 Zero Waste Committee Priorities and Work Plan Zero Waste Committee Regular Meeting Date: January 22, 2021

Page 2 of 3

The work plan includes a number of specific items in response to requests of staff by the Zero Waste Committee. Examples of these work plan items include:

• recycling depot funding strategy;• adjacent regional district collaboration opportunities including emerging technologies;• single-use items; and• reuse and repair initiatives.

The Committee will review and provide guidance on the initiatives grouped under the goals of the Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan:

Goal 1: Minimize Waste Generation • major regional behaviour change campaigns including ‘Create Memories Not Garbage’ (holiday

waste prevention), ‘Food isn’t Garbage’ (food scraps diversion), ‘Think Thrice’ (textile wasteprevention), ‘Waste in its Place’ (abandoned waste), and ‘Love Food, Hate Waste’ (residential foodwaste prevention) and single-use item reduction;

• support for additional Extended Producer Responsibility programs for problematic priority items;• National Zero Waste Council and its working groups, and affiliate initiatives such as the Circular

Economy Leadership Coalition; and• 2021 Zero Waste Conference.

Goal 2: Maximize Reuse, Recycling & Material Recovery • solid waste management plan update, including First Nations and public consultation and

engagement;• commercial organics management;• regional waste composition and annual solid waste and recycling update;• disposal ban program;• alternative fuel and recyclables recovery procurement process;• beneficial use of bottom ash contract award; and• opening the United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre and construction of the Central Surrey

Recycling and Waste Centre, maximizing recycling opportunities and reducing travel time, trafficcongestion and greenhouse gas emissions for users of the regional solid waste system.

Goal 3: Recovery of Energy from Waste Stream after Material Recovery • Waste-to-Energy Facility 2020 financial summary;• Waste-to-Energy Facility 2020 environmental performance summary;• Waste-to-Energy Facility ambient air monitoring;• Waste-to-Energy Facility district energy business case; and• Waste-to-Energy Facility biosolids management business case.•

Goal 4: Dispose of all Waste in Landfill after Recycling and Energy Recovery • contingency disposal contract award.


2021 Zero Waste Committee Priorities and Work Plan Zero Waste Committee Regular Meeting Date: January 22, 2021

Page 3 of 3

The 2021 Work Plan for the Zero Waste Committee is provided in Attachment 1, including the expected time frame for reports to this Committee. The Committee will be updated on the status of the actions and projects in this work plan on a monthly basis per the Committee’s schedule. ALTERNATIVES 1. That the Zero Waste Committee endorse the work plan as presented in the report dated January 14,

2021 titled “2021 Zero Waste Committee Priorities and Work Plan”.

2. That the Zero Waste Committee endorse the work plan as presented in the report dated January 14, 2021 titled “2021 Zero Waste Committee Priorities and Work Plan” with the amendments provided at the Zero Waste Committee January 22, 2021 meeting.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The priorities in the 2021 Work Plan of the Zero Waste Committee are consistent with the 2021 Budget approved by the GVS&DD Board on October 30, 2020 and with key actions included in the Annual Work Plans. CONCLUSION The work plan presented in this report identifies the priorities for the Zero Waste Committee in 2021 and is consistent with its terms of reference and the 2021 Budget approved by the GVS&DD Board. Staff recommend that Alternative 1 be approved. Attachment 1. Zero Waste Committee 2021 Work Plan 2. Zero Waste Committee Terms of Reference 42633616


Zero Waste Committee 2021 Work Plan Report Date: January 14, 2021

Priorities 1st Quarter Status 2020 Create Memories Not Garbage Results Pending 2020 Waste Composition Data Pending 2020 Zero Waste Conference Results Pending 2021 Food Scraps Campaign In progress 2021 Think Thrice Textiles Campaign Pending Alternative Fuel and Recyclables Recovery Procurement Process In progress Contingency Disposal Contract Award Pending Disposal Ban Inspections Contract Award Pending National Zero Waste Council 2020 Accomplishments and 2021 Projects Pending North Shore Organics Agreement and Contract Award Pending Single-Use Items Pending Solid Waste Management Plan Consultation and Engagement Panel Update In progress 2nd Quarter 2020 Disposal Ban Inspection Program Results Pending 2020 Food Scraps Campaign Results Pending 2020 Waste-to-Energy Facility Environmental Performance Summary Pending 2020 Waste-to-Energy Facility Financial Summary Pending 2021 Single Use Item Campaign Pending 2021 Think Thrice Textiles Campaign Results Pending Commercial Organics Management Pending Extended Producer Responsibility Programs Pending Love Food Hate Waste Pending Recycling Depot Funding Strategy Pending Reuse and Repair Initiatives Pending Solid Waste Services Capital Program Expenditures Update as at December 31, 2020 Pending United Boulevard Recycling and Waste Centre Opening Pending Waste-to-Energy Facility - Bottom Ash Beneficial Use Contract Award Pending Waste-to-Energy Facility – District Energy Business Case Pending 3rd Quarter 2021 National Zero Waste Council Projects Pending 2021 Textiles Campaign Results Pending 2021 Zero Waste Conference Update Pending Adjacent Regional District Collaboration Opportunities Including Emerging Technologies

Pending

Central Surrey Recycling and Waste Centre Operations Contract Award Pending Illegal Dumping Data and Programs Pending Solid Waste Management Plan - Studies Pending Solid Waste Services Capital Program Expenditures Update as at April 30, 2021 Pending

Page 1 of 2

ATTACHMENT 1


4th Quarter 2020 Solid Waste and Recycling Annual Report Pending 2021 Abandoned Waste Campaign Results Pending 2021 Create Memories Not Garbage Update Pending 2021 Single-Use Item Campaign Results Pending 2022-2026 Financial Plan – Solid Waste Services Pending 2022 Tipping Fee Bylaw Revisions Pending Solid Waste Services Capital Program Expenditures Update as at August 31, 2021 Pending Waste-to-Energy Facility - Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Pending

Page 2 of 2


Zero Waste Committee Terms of Reference

The Zero Waste Committee is the standing committee of the Metro Vancouver Board that provides advice and recommendations on policies, bylaws, plans, programs, budgets and issues related to solid waste management under the GVS&DD service, as well as the Zero Waste Communications Program under the MVRD General Government service.

Committee Responsibilities Within the scope of the Board Strategic Plan, Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan, and Metro Vancouver Financial Plan, the Committee provides guidance and oversight to staff on the implementation of the annual work plan and business plans for the service. Specific Committee responsibilities include:

• Reviewing and endorsing the annual budget and five-year financial plan for the Solid Wastefunction;

• Overseeing and monitoring the implementation of the Integrated Solid Waste and ResourceManagement Plan;

• Overseeing implementation of the Solid Waste capital program, and development of significantworks within the plan;

• Overseeing and guiding programs and initiatives aimed at reducing the volume of solid waste,enhancing recycling and diversion efforts, and promoting recovery; and

• Monitoring the operation of waste disposal and transfer station facilities, and the overallmanagement of residuals.

Metro Vancouver has primary responsibility for ensuring implementation of the Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan. Metro Vancouver is also responsible for operating the regional systems for transfer and disposal of solid waste. Guiding these activities is the primary focus for the Committee.

Committee Membership and Meetings The Chair, Vice Chair, and members are appointed annually by the Chair of the Metro Vancouver Board. The Committee meets monthly, except for August and December, and has special meetings as required. Members of the Committee must be members of the GVS&DD. A quorum of 50% plus one of the Committee membership is required to conduct committee business.

Committee Management The Committee Chair, or in the absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chair is the chief spokesperson on matters of public interest within the Committee’s purview. For high profile issues the role of spokesperson rests with the Board Chair or Vice-Chair. On technical matters or in cases where an initiative is still at the staff proposal level, the Commissioner or a senior staff member is the appropriate chief spokesperson. Where necessary and practical, the Board Chair, the Committee Chair and the Commissioner confer to determine the most appropriate representative to speak.

The Chief Administrative Officer assigns a Committee Manager for the Committee. The Committee Manager is responsible for coordinating agendas and be the principal point of contact for Committee members.

ATTACHMENT 2


5.2


From: Sarah Evanetz, Division Manager, Strategy and Stakeholder Relations, Solid Waste Services


Subject: Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel: Progress Update

RECOMMENDATION That the GVS&DD Board receive for information the report dated January 14, 2021 titled “Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel: Progress Update”.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel (Consultation and Engagement Panel) was convened in October 2020 to support a robust consultation and engagement process for the development of an updated solid waste management plan. The Consultation and Engagement Panel has since held four meetings to discuss engagement and provide guidance on the development of a draft engagement program. A pre-engagement phase including opportunities for stakeholders to connect directly with the Consultation and Engagement Panel will occur over the next few months in advance of an engagement program being brought forward to the Zero Waste Committee and Board for consideration. A separate First Nations engagement strategy outlining a government-to-government engagement approach will be developed. Guidelines for Consultation and Engagement Panel communications with First Nations and stakeholders have been developed by the Consultation and Engagement Panel and are included as an attachment to this report.

PURPOSE To update the Zero Waste Committee on progress made to date by the Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel.

BACKGROUND As per the June 12, 2020 report to the Zero Waste Committee and Board, the Consultation and Engagement Panel was formed to advise staff and the Board on consultation and engagement on the development of a new solid waste management plan. A comprehensive engagement program involving a broad range of stakeholders and perspectives will be a critical element in the development of an updated solid waste management 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 Consultation and Engagement Panel is made up of four engagement experts with a range of experiences and expertise within the field, and representing a range of regional perspectives. Members are listed in Attachment 1. This report provides an update on the Consultation and Engagement Panel’s work up to January 2021.

42765995


Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel: Progress Update Zero Waste Committee Regular Meeting Date: January 22, 2021

Page 2 of 3

MEETINGS AND PROGRESS Meeting Summaries The Consultation and Engagement Panel met monthly since it was convened in October 2020. The following is a brief overview of the work completed during the first four meetings: Meeting #1: October 27, 2020

• Learned about panel members’ experiences and expertise • Shared perspectives around meaningful engagement and professional experience

Meeting #2: November 23, 2020

• Received a high-level overview of solid waste and recycling management system in the region, including implementation of the current solid waste management plan and roles of various public sector, private sector and community groups, as well as First Nations

• Reviewed engagement on the current solid waste management plan, and discussed learnings • Reviewed Provincial guidelines for engagement on solid waste management plans • Discussed key audiences, including stakeholders and communities of interest as well as First

Nations • Developed Guidelines for Communicating with First Nations and Stakeholders (Attachment

2) Meeting #3: December 14, 2020

• Drafted guiding principles and objectives of engagement • Discussed pre-engagement strategies • Discussed Technical and Public Advisory Committee(s), as required by the Province • Discussed phases of engagement, audiences, and engagement methods to guide

development of a draft engagement program • Tested interactive online engagement tools including a ranking survey, word cloud exercise

and cardstorming activity

Meeting #4: January 12 2021 • Reviewed detailed pre-engagement methods and approach • Reviewed draft public engagement program

Guidelines for Communicating with First Nations and Stakeholders The Consultation and Engagement Panel established a process for First Nations and stakeholders to communicate with and provide feedback to the panel. This includes written submissions and scheduled meetings involving all panel members at project milestones. The goal is to allow an open, flexible and fair process of communication that provides First Nations and stakeholders equitable opportunities to participate and provide feedback. In addition, the process ensures all panelists review and receive the same submissions or information. Full details are in Attachment 2, Guidelines for Communicating with First Nations and Stakeholders.


Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel: Progress Update Zero Waste Committee Regular Meeting Date: January 22, 2021

Page 3 of 3

Public Engagement Program Outline The following public engagement program phases have been reviewed with the Consultation and Engagement Panel and a detailed engagement program will be developed following the pre-engagement phase.

Pre-Engagement Phase The pre-engagement phase will help understand the preferences of key stakeholder groups and communities of interest. Metro Vancouver will receive feedback on engagement program design via a number of approaches including online surveys, phone interviews and opportunities to connect directly with the Consultation and Engagement Panel.

First Nations Engagement Strategy A separate First Nations engagement strategy outlining a government-to-government information sharing and engagement approach will be developed. While First Nations and Urban Indigenous peoples will be invited to participate in all engagement activities as part of the public engagement program, this separate First Nations Strategy will specifically address a government-to-government engagement approach with First Nations. This separate strategy is stipulated in the Provincial A Guide to Solid Waste Management Planning.

ALTERNATIVES This is an information report. No alternatives are presented.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Consultation and Engagement Panel activities and meetings are accommodated within the annual Solid Waste Services budget.

CONCLUSION The Consultation and Engagement Panel has held four meetings to discuss approaches to engagement and provide input and guidance into the development of a draft engagement program for the solid waste management plan update that will be provided to the Zero Waste Committee and Board for consideration. A separate First Nations engagement strategy will be developed.

Attachments 1. Consultation and Engagement Panel Members2. Guidelines for Communicating with First Nations and Stakeholders

42765995

Pre-EngagementPhase 1: Guiding

Principles Engagement

Phase 2: Idea Generation

Engagement

Phase 3: Options Analysis

Engagement

Phase 4: Engagement on

Draft PlanPlan

Approval


5.2

Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel

Membership List Panel Chair: Andrea Reimer, Adjunct Professor and Practitioner Lead at the UBC School of Public Policy & Global Affairs; Instructor in the Practice of Engagement at Simon Fraser University, former City of Vancouver Deputy Mayor and Councillor. Cheryl Brooks, President and CEO, Indigenuity Consulting Group, strategist, negotiator, facilitator and expert in Aboriginal/Indigenous Relations in the private and public sectors. Peter Fassbender, former Member of the Legislative Assembly for Surrey-Fleetwood; former Langley City Mayor and Councillor, former Vice-Chair of Translink’s Mayor’s Council. Veronika Bylicki, Executive Director and Co-founder, CityHive (not-for-profit on a mission to transform the way that young people are engaged in civic processes), engagement innovator, community builder and sustainability strategist. Director Froese, Zero Waste Committee Chair, will act as Zero Waste Committee liaison to the Consultation and Engagement Panel and will attend meetings.

ATTACHMENT 1


5.2

Guidelines for Communicating with First Nations and Stakeholders Solid Waste Management Plan Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel

Metro Vancouver is committed to an open, flexible and fair process for the development of a new solid waste management plan. To ensure such a process, First Nations and stakeholders need to have an equitable opportunity to participate in and provide feedback into the consultation and engagement process, including the work of the Independent Consultation and Engagement Panel (Panel).

At each milestone in the Panel’s work (e.g. the development of the Consultation and Engagement Program), First Nations and stakeholders will have the opportunity to communicate with the Panel through a range of mechanisms, such as in-person or virtual meetings or via submissions in writing. All formal feedback to the Panel will be recorded and reported to the Metro Vancouver Board.

To support the principle of equitable opportunity for engagement with the Panel, Panel members are encouraged to apply the following guidelines:

• Avoid where possible engagement with First Nations or stakeholders on anything related tosolid waste management or the development of a new solid waste management plan outside offormal processes put in place to engage with the Panel;

• Disclose any potential or perceived conflicts of interest or existing relationships with FirstNations and stakeholders that have an interest in solid waste management in the region directlyto the Panel Chair; and

• Advise the Panel Chair of any communications with First Nations or stakeholders related to solidwaste management or the development of a new solid waste management plan outside offormal processes.

Updated: Nov. 18, 2020

ATTACHMENT 2


5.3

42762713


From: Terry Fulton, Senior Project Engineer, Solid Waste Services


Subject: Alternative Fuel and Recyclables Recovery Interim Processing Strategy

RECOMMENDATION That the GVS&DD Board approve initiating procurement for the processing of approximately 60,000 tonnes per year of small load waste to recover recyclables and alternative fuel.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY With the development of the United Boulevard and Central Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres, approximately 60,000 tonnes per year of material delivered by small vehicles (small load waste) will be available for recovery of alternative fuel and recyclables. Recovering alternative fuel and recyclables from this material will reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the offset of fossil fuels and recycling of materials such as metals. This report recommends proceeding with an interim approach for managing the small load waste by processing it at one or more existing private facilities. The GHG emission reductions resulting from the project are expected to be up to 20,000 tonnes per year. Metro Vancouver will continue to plan for/explore the feasibility of developing a permanent facility that has the potential to reduce GHG emission by up to 85,000 tonnes per year with the interim approach, providing important information in support of that work.

PURPOSE To seek GVS&DD Board approval to initiate procurement for processing small load waste.

BACKGROUND In March 2019, the GVS&DD Board authorized staff to engage a consultant to assist in the design and business casing of a pilot initiative to recover recyclables and alternative fuel from municipal solid waste, and directed staff to report back with a concept plan and procurement model.

Subsequent reports to the Zero Waste Committee updated the project scope to focus the work on small load waste from Metro Vancouver facilities to maximize the GHG benefit, material recovery and processing ease. This report provides a progress update on the project and recommends initiating procurement for an interim solution to recover recyclables and alternative fuel product from small load waste while continuing to proceed with planning for a permanent solution.

ALTERNATIVE FUEL AND RECYCLABLES RECOVERY PROJECT Metro Vancouver receives approximately 120,000 tonnes per year of small load waste at regional solid waste facilities. Small load waste is typically delivered by residents or contractors in hand-unloaded vehicles and is composed primarily of wood (approximately 60%) and other building materials. This material is currently disposed, but represents an opportunity to extract recyclables and create a low carbon alternative fuel product through processing. Compared to regular garbage as an alternative fuel source, the small load waste has:


Alternative Fuel and Recyclables Recovery Interim Processing Strategy Zero Waste Committee Regular Meeting Date: January 22, 2021

Page 2 of 3

• higher material recovery potential;• higher GHG emission reduction potential;• broader potential use as an alternative fuel; and• lower processing costs.

Wood-based alternative fuels can be used in facilities such as cement plants, biomass-to-energy plants and district energy systems. Approximately 60,000 tonnes per year of small load waste will be available to be segregated from the waste stream upon completion of the United Boulevard and Central Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres by early 2022. The full 120,000 tonnes per year will become available over time as the regional solid waste system is modernized, allowing separation of the small load waste from other waste at all regional facilities.

In May 2020, Metro Vancouver engaged a consultant to undertake the alternative fuel and recyclables recovery project business case. The project includes developing a concept design, evaluating the business model, and analyzing potential impacts of a Metro Vancouver-owned facility that would process small load material to extract recyclables and create an alternative fuel product. This initiative has the potential to reduce GHG emissions through the replacement of fossil fuels and recyclable materials such as metals.

Interim Approach Work on planning for a permanent facility is underway, but given the long time lines to develop a permanent facility, an interim solution for managing small load waste has been identified. The project team has concluded that there are local private construction and demolition recycling facilities capable of processing the expected 60,000 tonnes per year of small load waste. Market sounding has indicated that existing construction and demolition material processors in the region are currently willing and capable of receiving this material. Some of the existing facilities have a relatively low recovery rate (portion of inbound material recycled rather than landfilled); therefore, ensuring maximum recovery from the small load waste will be a key aspect of the procurement process. This interim approach will provide valuable information to assess the feasibility of a permanent facility in a number of areas:

• Contract requirements to maximize alternative fuel and recyclable material recovery;• Typical recovery rates of alternative fuel and recyclables from small load waste;• Costs associated with the transport, processing, and storage of material;• Ability of end-users to accept and effectively utilize the fuel product produced; and• Regulatory requirements to utilize alternative fuel recovered from the small load waste.

The development of a permanent facility is included in the Solid Waste Services capital budget, and planning/feasibility assessment for a permanent facility will continue in parallel to implementing an interim solution.


Alternative Fuel and Recyclables Recovery Interim Processing Strategy Zero Waste Committee Regular Meeting Date: January 22, 2021

Page 3 of 3

Emission Reductions Each tonne of small load-based alternative fuel would emit approximately 0.9 tonnes less CO2 equivalent compared to the amount of coal necessary to generate the same amount of energy. Assuming 40% of 60,000 tonnes of small load feedstock could be recovered, this could result in approximately 20,000 tonnes per year of GHG emission reduction. A high performance permanent facility could increase both the recovery rate and the amount of material processed, thereby increasing the GHG reduction to up to 85,000 tonnes per year. The interim approach of contracting with existing construction and demolition material processors will provide important information on GHG emission reduction potential.

Climate Action Committee Feedback At the November 15, 2019 Zero Waste Committee meeting, staff was requested to seek input from the Climate Action Committee on the Alternative Fuel and Recyclables Recovery Project prior to bringing the matter forward to the Board for final consideration. Feedback on this report from the January 15, 2021 Climate Action Committee meeting will be communicated at the January 22, 2021 Zero Waste Committee meeting.

ALTERNATIVES 1. That the GVS&DD Board approve initiating procurement for the processing of approximately

60,000 tonnes per year of small load waste to recover recyclables and alternative fuel.

2. That the Zero Waste Committee receive for information the report dated January 6, 2021, titled“Alternative Fuel and Recyclables Recovery Interim Processing Strategy” and provide alternatedirection to staff.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS If the Board approves Alternative 1 and authorizes initiating procurement, a procurement process will be started to manage the small load waste. The net cost of processing the small load waste will depend on the outcome of the procurement process. Separately, processing small load waste will reduce landfill requirements and thus reduce landfill disposal costs. Award of a contract will require Board approval and as such information on the financial implications of processing the small load waste will be provided at that time. Under Metro Vancouver’s Carbon Price Policy, GHG emission reductions can be valued at up to $150 per tonne CO2 equivalent. The expected value of the emission reductions under the Carbon Price Policy will be reported back to the Board as part of the financial implications of entering into a contract for processing the small load waste.

CONCLUSION Small load waste represents an opportunity to decrease regional waste disposal and reduce GHG emissions by extracting recyclables and creating a low-carbon alternative to traditional fuel sources. Metro Vancouver continues to explore the development of a permanent facility to recover recyclables and alternative fuel from small load waste. In the interim, in advance of a permanent facility being developed, existing construction and demolition processors have indicated they are able to receive and process a portion of this material. Staff recommend initiating a procurement process to manage approximately 60,000 tonnes per year of small load waste following the completion of the United Boulevard and Central Surrey Recycling and Waste Centres.

42762713



From: Paul Henderson, General Manager, Solid Waste Services


Subject: Manager’s Report

RECOMMENDATION That the Zero Waste Committee receive for information the report dated January 15, 2021 titled “Manager’s Report”.

Resilient Region Strategic Framework At its meeting held July 31, 2020 the MVRD Board endorsed the development of a Resilient Region Strategic Framework aimed at providing a consistent approach to integrating resilience across the organization starting with long-range management plans under development. The framework will seek to adopt a broad view of resilience, encompassing economic prosperity and equity, as well as physical and environmental conditions.

The Metro Vancouver region faces many challenges, now and into the future. The secondary economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have accelerated, aggravated, and exposed existing vulnerabilities in our regional economy. Many of Metro Vancouver’s fastest growing industries pre-pandemic were lower-skilled, temporary worker-dominated service industries, such as retail trade, tourism, and hospitality. These industries were most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first six months of 2020, Metro Vancouver was one of the hardest hit urban centres in Canada in terms of unemployment and economic output, as well as the hardest hit region in British Columbia. The contraction of our economy has disproportionately impacted youth, women, racialized workers, and recent immigrants, all of whom are more likely to be low-wage and part-time workers within these low-skill service sectors.

Metro Vancouver as an organization is also faced with the challenge of ensuring regional utility services are able to manage and respond to shocks and stresses and the urgent need to take action on climate change.

Given these challenges, the Resilient Region Strategic Framework will support Metro Vancouver in: • Enhancing our capacity to prepare for and recover from acute shocks and manage chronic

stresses;• Ensuring our contribution to shared prosperity throughout the region; and,• Advancing our ability to integrate social equity considerations into our work across the region.

The framework is intended to cover the wide range of services that Metro Vancouver undertakes and will capture synergies between departments and support continuous improvement. Specific impacts to areas within the Zero Waste Committee’s purview will likely include:

• Integration of resilience concepts into the solid waste management plan review and update,with a focus on advancing a circular economy;

5.4


Manager’s Report Zero Waste Committee Regular Meeting Date: January 22, 2021

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• Evaluation of opportunities within Solid Waste Services to contribute to shared regional economic prosperity; and,

• Examination of equity in future policy, programs and data collection. Examples include equitable access to solid waste system facilities, including for those without vehicles and with socioeconomic differences, and multi-language materials for campaigns and other communications. Equity will be a key consideration in the development of an updated solid waste management plan.

A Board Strategic Planning workshop will be held February 26 and 27, 2021 to receive the Board’s direction on potential updates to the 2019-2022 Board Strategic Plan in light of these critical issues. Solid Waste Tipping Fee Payment Deferral At its April 24, 2020 meeting, the GVS&DD Board approved extending payment terms for solid waste account customers from 35 days to 90 days until December 31, 2020 to recognize the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on solid waste system customers. Customers have been advised that 35 day payment terms start in 2021. Account customers can apply to defer outstanding November and December balances with repayment over six months, interest-free, in monthly installments starting in July 2021. Waste-to-Energy Operational Certificate Amendment Approval The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy advised Metro Vancouver that the Waste-to-Energy Facility Operational Certificate has been amended effective December 3, 2020. The updated Waste-to-Energy Facility Operational certificate is posted on Metro Vancouver’s website (go to metrovancouver.org and search “Waste-to-Energy Operational Certificate”). The amendment to the Operational Certificate defers the reduction in discharge limits for sulphur dioxide and hydrogen chloride to March 3, 2025, and clarifies the criteria for defining start-up and shut-down periods for the purpose of emission reporting. Metro Vancouver has initiated ambient air monitoring of sulphur dioxide and hydrogen chloride adjacent to the Waste-to-Energy Facility where modelling predicted highest potential ambient air concentrations. Monitoring data will be available on Metro Vancouver’s website and the data will be analysed by a third party consultant. Bottom Ash Beneficial Use Procurement Update Metro Vancouver has initiated a procurement process for the beneficial use of bottom ash. RFQ 20-076 was issued on March 13, 2020, and two proponents: Birco Environmental Services Ltd., and GRT Mobile Soil Processing (Canada) Ltd., were shortlisted to participate in the Request for Proposals, RFP 21-027, which has now been issued. Proponents will develop proposals to receive approximately 40,000 tonnes of bottom ash per year and process it for use by a cement kiln in the production of cement, reducing the use of mined aggregate material. The initiative will reduce the region’s landfill disposal of municipal solid waste by approximately by 5%. Additionally, the intiative will reduce greenhouse gas emissions through reduced extraction and transportation of mined materials. Estimated greenhouse gas emission reductions will be reported back to the Board as part of the report following completion of the procurement process.


http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/SolidWastePublications/MetroVancouverWastetoEnergyFacilityOperationalCertificate107051.pdf


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Regional Solid Waste System Study: Account Customer Feedback Metro Vancouver commissioned a study to review the regional solid waste system and the resulting report will help inform the solid waste management plan update and help plan future facility upgrades and replacements. The study findings will be presented to the Zero Waste Committee later this year. As part of the study, Metro Vancouver gathered feedback from solid waste account customers about their experiences at regional solid waste facilities. Many indicated that the current facility operating hours were adequate or convenient, but also supported extending the closing time. Account customers also noted that the current weight based tipping fee structure incentivizes haulers to maximize their load weights and could encourage haulers to exceed legal load limits. It is the haulers’ responsibility to ensure legal load limits are not exceeded. In response to feedback on operating hours and following review of temporal use of Metro Vancouver’s recycling and waste centres, the summer hours (closing 1 hour later compared to the winter) will be extended by two months (March and October) in 2021 at the North Surrey Recycling and Waste Centre (formerly Surrey Transfer Station) and North Shore Recycling and Waste Centre (formerly North Shore Transfer Station). Metro Vancouver will further engage with solid waste system customers regarding hours and load weights in 2021. Smart Bin Camera Based Garbage Container Sensors Pilot Project Metro Vancouver partnered with the City of Burnaby to study the effectiveness of camera-based bin sensors at keeping recyclables out of the garbage. The sensors take periodic photos of a garbage bin’s contents. An artificial intelligence program then scans the image for recyclable materials banned from the garbage, such as corrugated cardboard and electronics. When banned materials are identified, the program records the results and alerts the project team. The sensors can also provide data on bin fullness to optimize bin size and collection frequency. The pilot project is planned for the spring of 2021 and will run for approximately three months. Program results will be reported to the Zero Waste Committee later in the year. If the technology is effective, it could be used by the waste management community to help increase recycling and reduce GHG emissions and traffic congestion through improved education and enforcement and optimized collection routing. 2020 E-waste and Battery Recycling Promotion Electronics (e-waste) and used batteries are potentially hazardous if disposed in the solid waste system and electronics continue to be the most commonly surcharged items in the disposal ban program. In October 2020, Metro Vancouver launched a targeted digital promotion to educate residents on the importance of recycling e-waste and used batteries. All messaging directed residents to www.MVRecycles.org to find locations to drop off e-waste and used batteries for recycling. Prior to launching the promotion, Metro Vancouver consulted with e-waste and battery extended producer responsibility program representatives and member municipalities to ensure alignment with their priorities and messaging. The promotion ran from Oct 19 – November 8, 2020, aligning with National Waste Reduction Week (October 19-25, 2020). E-waste and battery recycling messaging was featured in a small paid media buy on social media and YouTube, and will continue to be promoted organically through Metro Vancouver social media channels. The recycling promotion materials are available on Metro Vancouver’s website (go to metrovancouver.org and search ‘electronics recycling promotion’).


http://www.mvrecycles.org/

http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/about/campaign-materials/Pages/default.aspx


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Food Scraps Recycling Campaign Update The Food Scraps Recycling campaign, “Food Scraps Aren’t Garbage,” will be in market from January 11 to March 7, 2021. Originally launched in 2014 to support the region-wide organics disposal ban, the objective is to increase the diversion of organic waste into the green bin. The secondary objective is to reduce contamination. The target audience continues to be Metro Vancouver residents in general, with a segment focused on multi-family residents and addressing their specific barriers. The creative is the same is used in 2019 and 2020. Tactics include digital (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, native content in Daily Hive, programmatic banner ads, and search ads), broadcast (television PSA), and out-of-home advertising (transit shelter ads, bus sides, elevator screens in condo buildings). New for 2021 are hyper-targeted banner ads to address contaminant items. These include coffee cups (targeted to people who have recently been in a coffee shop) and takeout containers (targeted to people who have recently been in a takeout restaurant). The interactive “Green Bin Q&A” will run on Instagram Stories for four weeks, starting Wednesday, January 20, 2021. If it becomes apparent that we cannot have the creative in market as planned due to COVID-19, we will pause the campaign and re-launch at some point during the year when it is more appropriate. This contingency has been built into the media plan. Canada Plastics Pact: Working together to create a Canada without plastic waste or pollution The Canada Plastics Pact will launch in late January as part of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Global Plastics Pact Network. The Canada Plastics Pact is a new initiative to accelerate a circular plastics economy for packaging - mobilizing leaders from across Canada’s entire plastic value chain and broader ecosystem behind a common vision and ambitious set of goals to address plastic packaging waste at source. Together Canada Plastics Pact partners will work on developing, piloting and scaling new solutions aimed at: eliminating the plastics we do not need; innovating to ensure that the plastics we do need are reusable, recyclable, or compostable; and circulating all the plastic items we use to keep them in the economy and out of the environment. As a pre-competitive and industry-led platform for innovation and collaboration, the Canada Plastics Pact will accelerate and fast track new solutions and approaches for packaging in alignment with emerging policy and legislation – addressing systemic barriers to achieve industry-wide transformation. The National Zero Waste Council has been working collaboratively with other non-for-profit and industry leaders for over a year to bring the Canada Plastics Pact to fruition. Both the National Zero Waste Council and Metro Vancouver will participate as implementation partners in the Canada Plastics Pact moving forward – a role that will enable the advancement of strategic objectives related to zero plastic waste in the region but also nationally. The National Zero Waste Council and Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada has established a National Food Policy Council composed of a diverse range of thought leaders and experts regarding Canada’s food system. This Council will provide the Minister their own perspectives and advice to the Minister on Canada’s food system. Recognizing the important work of the Council since its inception on preventing and reducing food waste (including the development of A Food Loss and Waste Strategy for Canada, the organization of a cross-Canada partnership on Love Food Hate Waste Canada), Denise Phillipe, Senior Policy Advisor for Metro Vancouver and the National Zero Waste Council, has been invited to participate in the National Food Policy Council. This will be an important opportunity to ensure that preventing food loss and waste will be included in policies and actions shaping the future of Canada’s food system.


https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__www.plasticspact.ca_&d=DwMFaQ&c=pApUd0AUA6FmKRo01iR_VA&r=SnHR2Ef49xryy16YGx6oCfWyXaa8T89Bx5Ox-v8aLig&m=adaw5cJg8i1RRRUhGhl-DUsPd9kByYpdHW4tgG2mNR0&s=uDO8vOlI0FurZF6BYCLkjWh3BnZobtbrZuxjLZJmwqw&e=

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org_our-2Dwork_activities_new-2Dplastics-2Deconomy_plastics-2Dpact&d=DwMFaQ&c=pApUd0AUA6FmKRo01iR_VA&r=SnHR2Ef49xryy16YGx6oCfWyXaa8T89Bx5Ox-v8aLig&m=adaw5cJg8i1RRRUhGhl-DUsPd9kByYpdHW4tgG2mNR0&s=Fq09XtNdFTVMyU8_wqKVGDaqsAmwUM6G7wJ_VzGa2Zk&e=

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org_our-2Dwork_activities_new-2Dplastics-2Deconomy_plastics-2Dpact&d=DwMFaQ&c=pApUd0AUA6FmKRo01iR_VA&r=SnHR2Ef49xryy16YGx6oCfWyXaa8T89Bx5Ox-v8aLig&m=adaw5cJg8i1RRRUhGhl-DUsPd9kByYpdHW4tgG2mNR0&s=Fq09XtNdFTVMyU8_wqKVGDaqsAmwUM6G7wJ_VzGa2Zk&e=


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In addition, Agriculture and Agri-Foods Canada has launched a Food Waste Reduction Challenge with a budget of $20 million to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative solutions that can tackle food waste at any point from farm-to-plate. There are four complementary streams in the challenge, with applications currently being invited for the first two streams: business models that prevent food waste and business models that divert food waste, food by-products, and/or surplus food from disposal. The most promising solutions will be selected by an external committee of subject-matter experts. Successful innovators will receive grant funding as well as other benefits to help them succeed. Denise Philippe has also been invited to be a juror as well as the Chair for group adjudicating the Food Waste Challenge submissions. Construction and Demolition Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkit About a third of the 1.3 million tonnes of waste that is disposed in Metro Vancouver each year comes from the Construction and Demolition sector. In 2008, Metro Vancouver developed a toolkit for the Construction and Demolition industry, to increase awareness of reuse and recycling of building materials and provide a centralized source of information for contractors, designers and homeowners. The recently updated Construction and Demolition Waste Reduction and Recycling Toolkit, is available online on Metro Vancouver’s website (go to metrovancouver.org and search ‘Construction and Demolition Recycling Toolkit’). Rack cards and co-branded versions of the toolkit are available upon request for member municipalities. An online demolition waste generation calculator was also developed to help building permit applicants estimate waste generation on site, and the minimum amount of waste they need to divert to meet their municipality’s recycling requirements (go to metrovancouver.org and search ‘demolition waste calculator’). Solid Waste Facility Weigh Scale Software Replacement Metro Vancouver has issued a request for proposals to procure new weigh scale system software, to update and modernize the system and its features. The upgrade will increase efficiencies and convenience and reduce the potential for errors. A questionnaire was issued to Metro Vancouver solid waste account customers in October 2020 seeking feedback on potential new features for the updated software. The following system capabilities have been requested from vendors:

• automated license plate recognition; • enhanced disposal ban reporting; • electronic invoicing; • ability to integrate customer feedback tools into receipts; • online portal to view transactions; • integration with financial software; and • enhanced reporting and data analysis capability.

The request for proposals closed on January 14, 2021 and contract award is anticipated by the end of February.


http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/SolidWastePublications/DLCToolkit.pdf

http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/SolidWastePublications/DLCToolkit.pdf

http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/wte-and-disposal/construction-waste/Pages/Calculator.aspx


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Virtual Attendance at 2021 Standing Committee Events Participation at external events provides important learning and networking opportunities. The following events that fall under the purview of the Zero Waste Committee were included in the 2021 Leadership and Engagement budget. Only virtual attendance will be considered given travel restrictions under the COVID-19 pandemic.

BioCycle Conference • Date: Dates to be Announced • Number of attendee(s): 2 • This conference is dedicated to organics management, and provides an opportunity

to learn about the experiences of communities across North America in managing organics.

Recycling Council of BC Conference and Trade Show • Date: Dates to be Announced • Number of attendee(s): 2 • This conference focuses on reducing waste and building a circular economy.

Solid Waste Association of North America Conference and Trade Show • Date: November 1-2, 2021 • Number of attendee(s): 1 • This conference provides an opportunity to participate in sessions on waste

reduction, recycling and residuals management, and learn about leading-edge programs from across North America.

Please notify the Committee Chair or Committee Manager as soon as possible, but no later than February 28, 2021, if you are interested in attending any of the above-noted events. As the funds for these events are budgeted in general government, the Finance and Intergovernment Committee will consider approval of the events, but final approval on attendance rests with the Board Chair. 42637142


Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Office of the Minister

Mailing Address: Parliament Buildings Victoria BC V8V 1X4

Telephone: 250 387-1187 Facsimile: 250 387-1356 Website: www.gov.bc.ca/env

Reference: 364398

December 21, 2020

Sav Dhaliwal, Chair Metro Vancouver Board 4730 Kingsway Burnaby BC V5H 0C6

Sent via email: [email protected]

Jack Froese, Chair Metro Vancouver Zero Waste Committee 4730 Kingsway Burnaby BC V5H 0C6

Sent via email: [email protected]

Dear Chair Dhaliwal and Director Froese:

Thank you for your letter of November 2, 2020, regarding the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan Implementation Update.

I appreciate the level of engagement and support that Metro Vancouver and the Zero Waste Committee continue to demonstrate in tackling plastic waste. Since the provincial announcement on September 12, 2020, the ministry is continuing to develop policy measures related to the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan. The ministry has also been closely following the recent announcement by the federal government with respect to plastics.

The Province is pleased to see the federal government release a plastic pollution and waste discussion paper, and we continue to work closely and collaboratively as they develop an approach to move forward to address plastic waste. We consider the proposed steps in the federal discussion paper as complementary, but not a substitute for B.C.’s efforts to address plastic pollution and waste. As such, the Province is taking a collaborative and coordinated approach to avoid a duplication of effort, while working to ensure that provincial priorities are advanced. B.C. also continues to be engaged through the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) with development of the Canada-wide Strategy for Zero Plastic Waste and supporting Action Plan.

…2

6.1


http://www.gov.bc.ca/env

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

-2- Bans on single-use items are part of this work and I thank you for highlighting the priority items that Metro Vancouver would like to see included in provincial or federal bans. Tackling plastic waste and pollution remains a provincial priority. This is further reinforced in my ministerial mandate letter, which notes the ministry is to “begin the province-wise phase out of single-use plastics.” With respect to timelines, it is our intention to align provincial actions with federal initiatives as far as possible, assuming they occur within a reasonable timeframe. The Province values all input from local governments and as work to tackle plastic waste and pollution in the province progresses, I encourage you to continue to share and provide your input to the Ministry. As you note, the Province has already approved bylaws banning single-use plastics for the municipalities of Richmond, Victoria, Saanich, Tofino and Ucluelet, clearing the way for those communities to implement their bans. The Province has the authority to allow all municipalities to ban certain types of plastic products through the development of a new regulation under the Community Charter. This new regulation being drafted will allow municipalities to ban single-use plastics, such as shopping bags, plastic straws and polystyrene foam take-out containers without requiring provincial approval. In the meantime, I will, in my capacity as Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy, continue to review and consider other bylaws as they are submitted. I have asked ministry staff to keep you apprised of our progress and timing. Thank you for your continued leadership on plastics and waste. The Province remains committed to advancing this work on behalf of British Columbians and I look forward to continuing to work with Metro Vancouver and the Zero Waste Committee. Thank you again for your letter, I will provide further updates as work progresses. Sincerely,

George Heyman Minister


To: Zero Waste Committee From: Finance and Intergovernment Committee Date: January 15, 2021 Meeting Date: January 22, 2021 Subject: School and Youth Leadership Program: Engaging K-12 Audiences Through

Curriculum and Leadership Programs The attached report titled “School and Youth Leadership Programs: Engaging K-12 Audiences Through Curriculum and Leadership Programs” was considered by the Finance and Intergovernment Committee at its meeting of November 18, 2020. The report is provided here to the Zero Waste Committee for its information. Attachment (41929540)

“School and Youth Leadership Program: Engaging K-12 Audiences Through Curriculum and Leadership Programs”, dated, November 18, 2020

6.2


41929540

To: Finance and Intergovernment Committee

From: Bruce Ford, Communications and Education Coordinator, External Relations Larina Lopez, Division Manager, Corporate Communications, External Relations

Date: October 19, 2020 Meeting Date: November 18, 2020

Subject: School and Youth Leadership Program: Engaging K-12 Audiences Through Curriculum and Leadership Programs

RECOMMENDATION That the Finance and Intergovernment Committee receive for information the report dated October 19, 2020, titled “School and Youth Leadership Program: Engaging K-12 Audiences Through Curriculum and Leadership Programs”.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Metro Vancouver School and Youth Leadership Program aims to increase awareness about Metro Vancouver and its core services among the kindergarten through grade 12 (K–12) audience. Through this program, K-12 teachers and students are equipped with the understanding, skills, inspiration, and BC curriculum-connected tools to integrate Metro Vancouver content with their ongoing teaching, learning, and leadership initiatives.

Resources, field trips, facility tours, teacher professional development workshops, and youth leadership programs are offered to engage K-12 audiences and promote understanding of regional sustainability topics including water, wastewater, waste, air quality, climate change, regional planning, and ecological health.

In 2019, the School and Youth Leadership Program reached approximately 1,200 K–12 teachers through professional development and 2,300 high school student leaders through youth leadership programs. In 2020, due to COVID-19, the program has focused on enhancing and developing new K-12 resources and pivoting to digital and virtual platforms.

PURPOSE This report is provided to update the Committee on the Metro Vancouver School and Youth Leadership Programs for K-12 students and teachers.

BACKGROUND At the May 15, 2020 meeting of the Zero Waste Committee, staff were requested to report back on Metro Vancouver’s efforts to engage K-12 audiences in zero waste initiatives. Given that Metro Vancouver School Programs support a range of Metro Vancouver regional priorities, the scope of the report has been broadened to present an overall update on Metro Vancouver School Programs.

Since 1992, Metro Vancouver has offered school programs aligned with the BC curriculum to K–12 audiences to increase awareness about GVRD/Metro Vancouver services and behavior change

5.4

ATTACHMENT


http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/Pages/default.aspx

School and Youth Leadership Program: Engaging K-12 Audiences Through Curriculum and Leadership Programs Finance and Intergovernmental Committee Regular Meeting Date: November 18, 2020

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(demand management) priorities. First offered as ‘direct delivery’ programs (classroom presentations) about waste reduction (3R’s), these programs later expanded to include water, wastewater, and air quality. In 1998 school programs shifted to a ‘teach-the-teacher’ model to maximize reach and impact by supporting K-12 teachers to integrate Metro Vancouver content and resources through their ongoing teaching. In 2010, Metro Vancouver’s Youth4Action program was established to support increased engagement of high school students as leaders who are uniquely positioned (like teachers) to influence sustainability in schools and communities across the region through green teams, eco-clubs, and other school district leadership initiatives. Beyond high school many Y4A Alumni acknowledge the support received from Y4A and continue as influential sustainability leaders – many of whom have received prestigious scholarships and awards to recognize their achievements as dedicated community leaders as students, early career professionals and entrepreneurs. In response to the renewed BC Curriculum, implemented in 2019, Metro Vancouver School and Youth Leadership Programs (Reference 1) has been updating K–12 resources and programs to support teachers to address and integrate regional sustainability content with their students. To support effective development and implementation of programs, Metro Vancouver collaborates with a range of K-12 partners, including school districts, municipalities, youth and teacher leaders, K-12 education professional associations and networks, faculties of education (UBC and SFU), and the BC Ministry of Education. Collaboration with internal partners such as Water Services, Regional Parks Liquid Waste Services, Solid Waste Services, Air Quality and Climate Change, Regional Planning and Human Resources is ongoing in order to support development, promotion, engagement, and reach to shared K-12 audiences. Engaging K-12 Audience Through Place-Based Curriculum and Leadership Programs Metro Vancouver’s School and Youth Leadership Program supports school audiences across our region to know, value, and actively care for their region. Within the program, there is a variety of activities that engage and equip teachers and students with the understanding, skills, tools, and inspiration needed to integrate regional content and conservation choices and actions. K-12 audiences represent about 15% of our region’s population, including approximately 25,000 teachers who are the key decision-makers responsible for implementing the BC curriculum in K-12 schools, and 400,000 K-12 students. The BC Curriculum: An Ongoing Opportunity for Metro Vancouver Metro Vancouver school programs offer curriculum-connected resources, programs, professional development, and other learning and leadership opportunities strongly focused on place and sustainability priorities and competencies for active citizenship. The redesigned BC K-12 curriculum provides numerous opportunities to support K-12 teachers and students to integrate community and place-based learning. Notable changes and opportunities for Metro Vancouver’s school programs, include requirements for teachers to:

• Cover ‘big ideas’ and ‘content’ tied to water, wastewater, solid waste, air quality, climate change, regional planning, ecological health, and other topics.



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• Support students to develop core competencies, including thinking skills, communications skills, and personal and social responsibility, which provide added curricular rationale for supporting environmentally and socially responsible behaviors.

The Metro Vancouver School and Youth Leadership Program support teachers as they respond to the updated BC curriculum by integrating connections to Metro Vancouver content and priorities across the curriculum. The alignment of the BC curriculum with Metro Vancouver content, including water, wastewater, solid waste, air quality, climate change, regional planning and ecological health is highlighted in Metro Vancouver K-12 Curriculum Connection Overviews (Reference 2) available on K-12 Resource pages. Overview of K-12 Activities The Metro Vancouver School and Youth Leadership Program supports curriculum and instructional leadership by providing the following program components: K-12 Resources (Reference 3) – A range of K-12 tools support BC curriculum-connected teaching and learning about water, wastewater, waste, air quality, and climate change. Curriculum maps, K-12 inquiry spark activities and knowledge builders such as maps and videos. K-12 Field Trips and Facility Tours (Reference 4) – A range of unique and engaging field experiences are offered to support and to enrich K-12 teaching and learning.

• Promotion, management of tour requests, and support materials for teachers and students is provided by the school program staff member.

• Tours of water, wastewater, and waste management facilities are delivered by operations staff.

• In 2019, a total of 92 facility tours were delivered to: o 2,535 students (grade 4–8) o 88 K–12 teachers (from all regional school districts) o 175 new teachers (UBC and SFU teacher education programs)

• Teachers and students are also supported through regional parks field trips and watershed education programs, led by Regional Parks and Water Services staff respectively.

K-12 Teacher Professional Development Workshops (Reference 5) support and equip Metro Vancouver K-12 teachers with the knowledge, tools, resources, strategies, and inspiration necessary to integrate Metro Vancouver content in their classrooms.

• K-12 teacher workshops currently available: o Get Outdoors: Exploring K-12 strategies for using the community as a resource o Shift Happens: Exploring sustainability in the classroom and beyond

• In 2019, 17 teacher workshops and one teacher conference (Classrooms to Communities) were delivered to 957 K-12 teachers.


http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/teacher-workshops/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/teacher-workshops/Pages/default.aspx


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Youth4Action (Y4A) (Reference 6) targets high school students as youth leaders to support and influence sustainability in schools and school districts across Metro Vancouver through leadership events and collaborative action. The Y4A programs include:

• Metro Vancouver Sustainability Toolbox (MVST)– Regional grade 11/12 course supports students to lead and influence action for sustainability in their schools and communities. (i.e. Green Teams, School / District Leadership Conferences, Sustainabiliteens, etc.). In 2019, 24 student leaders from nine of the 11 school districts participated in MVST.

• Youth4Action Leadership Clinics– Highly participatory, fun and experiential learning events focused on sustainability issues relevant to high school students across Metro Vancouver. In 2019, 150 student leaders were reached via delivery of three leadership clinics.

• Youth4Action Workshops – Inform, empower and inspire youth leaders (and teams) to take action for sustainable schools. These workshops introduce regional sustainability topics and leadership for action, collaborative action planning, effective teams and systems thinking. In 2019, eight Youth4Action workshops were delivered to 200+ student leaders. These workshops were delivered at school district youth sustainability leadership conferences initiated and coordinated by students involved with Youth4Action.

In summary, the above K-12 Field Trips & Facility Tours, K-12 Resources, Teacher Workshops and Youth Leadership Programs provide numerous entry points for K-12 teachers and students to support teaching and learning about local sustainability tied to Metro Vancouver. COVID-19 Implications on the School and Youth Leadership Program and Adaptations in 2020 COVID-19 has had significant implications on K-12 schools and K-12 audiences. As K-12 teachers adapted to the changed landscape, demand for professional development workshops was low. Many professional development events for teachers were cancelled while others focused on the many challenges of adapting to teaching and learning from distance. To meet the shifting needs of teacher and youth audiences Metro Vancouver School and Youth Leadership Programs pivoted to increase focus on updating K-12 resources and to deliver teacher professional development workshops and youth leadership programs online. Updated K-12 resources focused on water, solid waste, liquid waste, air quality and climate change have been developed to date. Additional K-12 Resources focused regional planning and ecological health are in development. As of October 15, 2020, eight teacher workshops have been delivered to 180 teachers. In April 2020, in response to demand from students in the Youth4Action regional network, Youth4Action pivoted to host regular online regional network meetings and regional leadership events using digital platforms. The Collaboration High School Action Mentorship Program (CHAMP) (Reference 7) was launched in September, in lieu of MVST 2020 (cancelled due to COVID). The CHAMP program equips youth with the knowledge, skills and inspiration needed to influence sustainability in their school communities while also promoting regional collaboration and action. As of October 22, six Youth4Action leadership clinics have been delivered in 2020 to 200+ student leaders.



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Additionally, in collaboration with External Relations, virtual field trips were developed by Regional Parks and Water Services to support curriculum-connected student learning linking Metro Vancouver content, including:

• Salmon Rainforest (A Virtual Regional Park Field Trip (for Grade 2 & 3) (Reference 8) - introduces the life cycle of salmon and explores how salmon contribute to a healthy forest.

• Virtual Watershed Field Trip (For Grade 4 & 5) (Reference 9) – supports students to discover where their water comes from, how it is treated and how it gets to them.

The adaptations made to the Metro Vancouver School and Youth Leadership Programs in response to COVID-19 has enabled continued engagement of regional K-12 audiences in 2020. Emphasis to support engagement of K-12 audiences through online programs and events is expected to continue through the 2020-2021 academic year. The updated K-12 resources and enhanced online delivery have added tools to strengthen the K-12 program and will enable us to increase reach and improve engagement of school audiences during the continued pandemic response and in future years. ALTERNATIVES This is an information report. No alternatives are presented. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The 2020 Metro Vancouver Schools and Youth Leadership Program has a budget of $120,000 supported under the External Relations corporate budget. CONCLUSION Metro Vancouver School and Youth Leadership Programs continue to support engagement of K-12 audiences and be responsive to the shifting needs of this strategic audience. Through these programs, K-12 teachers and student leaders across our region are supported to know, value, and actively care for their region. K-12 teachers and students are engage and equipped with the understanding, skills, tools and inspiration needed to integrate regional content and conservation actions through their ongoing K-12 teaching, learning and leadership initiatives. The Metro Vancouver School and Youth Leadership Program directly supported engagement of school audiences across 11 school districts reaching approximately 1200 K-12 teachers and 2300 high school Youth Leaders in 2019. Support for K-12 audiences to address the challenges presented by COVID-19 and to be responsive to K-12 audience needs remains a significant opportunity for Metro Vancouver School & Youth Leadership Programs. In 2020, shifts to the online delivery of teacher and youth leadership events, programs and K-12 resources have enabled continued engagement and support for K-12 teaching and learning linked to Metro Vancouver priorities and to the BC Curriculum. These shifts will enable Metro Vancouver School and Youth Leadership Programs to serve K-12 audiences through the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year and into future school years. Attachments:

1. Youth4Action Leadership Clinic – Exploring Climate Action in Metro Vancouver



Page 6 of 9

2. Example materials for teachers – Curriculum Connections Overview: Water, Wastewater, Solid Waste

3. Example materials for teachers – Water Inquiry Spark Activity and Systems Overview Handout (maybe also include SW if approved?)

References:

1. Metro Vancouver School and Youth Leadership Programs (K-12 Audience Webpages) 2. K-12 Curriculum Connection Overviews 3. K-12 Resources 4. K-12 Field Trips and Facility Tours 5. K-12 Teacher Professional Development Workshops 6. Youth4Action Sustainability Leadership Programs High School Youth (Including: Youth

Leadership Clinics, Sustainability Toolbox: A regional leadership field course (Grade 11/12 Course), Workshops, CHAMP & Regional Network Meetings)

7. Youth4Action Collaborative High School Action Mentorship Program (CHAMP) 8. The Salmon Rainforest (A Virtual Regional Park Field Trip (for Grade 2 & 3) 9. Virtual Watershed Field Trip (In-class online presentation by Water Services (for Grade 4 & 5)

41929540



http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K-12-resources/K-12CurriculumConnections/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K-12-resources/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K-12-field-trips/facility-tours/Pages/default.aspx


http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/youth-leadership/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/youth-leadership/y4a-champs/Pages/default.aspx

http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K-12-field-trips/regional-parks-field-trips

http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K-12-field-trips/watershed-field-trips/Pages/Virtual-Watershed-Field-Trip-Booking-Request-Form.aspx

Youth4Action Leadership Clinic: Exploring Climate Action in Metro Vancouver – May 6, 2020

Youth4Action pivoted to convene regional youth leadership events using digital platforms such as Zoom (screenshot from May 6th. Exploring Leadership for Climate Action in Metro Vancouver – A Regional Youth4Action Event

As the world responds to COVID19, leaders and citizens around the world are recognizing that coordination of policies, adaptation, mitigation, and innovative actions to address such a significant global crises are indeed challenging, yet absolutely necessary and possible. On May 6th join Youth4Action and student leaders from across Metro Vancouver to explore climate action initiatives in Metro Vancouver. This event will feature a diverse panel of local climate action leaders, including:

o John Lindner, Air Quality Planner, Metro Vancouver o Veronika Bylicki, City Hive o Rebecca Hamilton, Sustainabiliteens

Participants will explore:

o the global and regional impacts of climate change o Climate 2050, Metro Vancouver’s regional climate action strategy o Current youth-led initiatives to influence action and policy to address climate change in

cities, school districts and campuses in Metro Vancouver and beyond

Following the presentations and questions, participants will be invited to participate in break out room discussions - to explore ideas and strategies to address climate action at home, at school, and throughout Metro Vancouver. To conclude, highlights from these break out room discussions will be shared out.

Attachment 1


http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/calendar/metro-vancouver/1440/exploring-leadership-for-climate-action-in-metro-vancouver-%E2%80%93-a-regional-youth4action-event

http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/calendar/metro-vancouver/1440/exploring-leadership-for-climate-action-in-metro-vancouver-%E2%80%93-a-regional-youth4action-event

Example materials for K-12 teachers - Curriculum Connections Overviews

Metro Vancouver K-12 Curriculum Connection Overviews for water, wastewater, solid waste, air quality, climate change, regional planning and ecological health can be downloaded at http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K12publications/K-12-CurricConnections_WATER.pdf)

Attachment 2


http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K12publications/K-12-CurricConnections_WATER.pdf

http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K12publications/K-12-CurricConnections_WATER.pdf

Example Materials for Teachers – Water Inquiry Spark Activity and Systems Overview Handout (Samples provided focus on water, however K-12 resources for Solid Waste and Liquid Waste are available online) Inquiry spark activity: Download full at www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K12publications/K-12-WATER-Spark-Activity1.pdf Water systems overview handout: Aligned with We Love Water campaign Download full at: www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K12publications/MV-WaterSystemOverview.pdf

Attachment 3


http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K12publications/K-12-WATER-Spark-Activity1.pdf

http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K12publications/K-12-WATER-Spark-Activity1.pdf

http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K12publications/MV-WaterSystemOverview.pdf

http://www.metrovancouver.org/events/school-programs/K12publications/MV-WaterSystemOverview.pdf

42621303

Solid Waste Services

Tel. 604 432-6400 Fax 604 451-6180

December 9, 2020

File: CP-16-02-078

Director of the Plastics and Marine Litter Division

Environment and Climate Change Canada

Public Inquiries Centre

12th Floor, Fountain Building

200 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard

Gatineau QC K1A 0H3

VIA EMAIL: [email protected]

Dear Director of the Plastics and Marine Litter Division:

Proposed Integrated Management Approach to Plastics Products to Prevent Waste and Pollution

Thank you for the opportunity to review the Government of Canada’s proposed integrated

management approach to plastics products. The following are Metro Vancouver staff’s comments on

the proposed plan.

Metro Vancouver supports provincial and federal action on plastics packaging and single-use items

as they consume natural resources, end up as waste in our landfills or as litter in our communities

and eventually debris in our lakes, rivers and oceans. Scientists predict there could be more plastic in

the ocean than fish by 2050 if we do not take action to reduce plastic litter.

Managing Single-Use Plastics Metro Vancouver and member municipalities are actively working to reduce the 1.1 billion single-use

items disposed annually in the region. Metro Vancouver developed a Single-Use Item Reduction

Toolkit and is working on a behaviour change campaign which will launch mid 2021; City of Vancouver

has bylaws in place; City of Richmond has approved bylaws; and several other members are

considering programs and policies to reduce single-use item waste.

Metro Vancouver supports the Government of Canada’s proposed approaches to foster a circular

economy by encouraging reusable products and systems for items such as food service ware as well

as hot and cold drink cups and lids. Reusable products and systems should be prioritized over the

pursuit of alternative single-use items as this presents the biggest opportunity to recover the value

of single-use products and protect the environment.

6.3


http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/SolidWastePublications/Single-Use_Item_Reduction_Toolkit.pdf

http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/SolidWastePublications/Single-Use_Item_Reduction_Toolkit.pdf

Director of the Plastics and Marine Litter Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada Proposed Integrated Management Approach to Plastic Products to Prevent Waste and Pollution

Page 2 of 3

42621303

Metro Vancouver supports the Government of Canada banning or restricting single-use plastics such

as plastic checkout bags, stir sticks, cutlery, six-pack rings, straws, utensils and food service ware

made from problematic plastic as identified in the Government of Canada’s proposed approach. Non-

conventional plastics such as compostable, bio-based or biodegradable should not be exempted from

a ban or restrictions single-use plastics. All types of plastics should be considered in single-use plastic

bans: including those plastics labelled compostable or biodegradable. Most plastics labelled

biodegradable or compostable do not break down in the marine environment; therefore, the risk

they pose is indistinguishable from those of conventional plastics. Including all types of plastics as

part of the ban would provide continuity with many other policies already implemented in British

Columbia which, for example, ban all plastic checkout bags including those labelled biodegradable or

compostable.

The compostability of a product is dependent on the composting technology in place. In many cases,

even if biodegradable or compostable plastics are managed in composting facilities, the plastics do

not compost under the conditions in the facility, and are screened out for disposal. To help local

governments better manage these materials and keep compost at its highest value and best use, we

recommend that the Government of Canada update federal regulations and guidelines for

environmental claims to restrict the labelling and marketing of biodegradable and compostable

products/packaging (both plastics and alternatives) to only those products/packaging that are readily

accepted by the majority of industrial composters across Canada. Enforcing updated regulation and

guidelines will help level the playing field and allow composters to continue to make a value-added

product from food scraps and yard waste.

Metro Vancouver also supports restrictions and bans of problematic plastic types including foam food

packaging, biodegradable, and composites such as plastic-lined paper. And we encourage the

Government of Canada to consider bans and restrictions for additional problematic single-use plastics

such as coffee pods, cigarette butts and single-use ‘flushable’ wipes. Researchers at Ryerson

University tested 64 different wet wipes sold in Canada, and none of them met the criteria for

flushability. These wipes are a major cause of blockages amounting to an estimated $250M per year

in direct cleanup and maintenance cost for municipal wastewater systems in Canada. We encourage

restrictions on the use of the term “flushable” to only those products that are free of plastic-fibres

and meet wastewater treatment industry standards for flushability. Cigarette butts are the most

commonly littered item around the world. While extended producer responsibility (EPR) for cigarette

butts could improve the collection of cigarette butts, we encourage the Government of Canada to

ban the use of plastic filters. Further information around the challenges with flushable wipes and

cigarette butts is available in the National Zero Waste Council report entitled “Regulatory Approaches

for Priority Plastic Wastes.”

While the focus on reduction of plastics is important, we encourage the Government of Canada to

minimize unintended consequences of alternative products that may replace plastics and consider

health, safety, accessibility and affordability impacts of policies or regulations.


https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/h_00148.html#packaging

https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/02701.html

https://www.competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc.nsf/eng/02701.html

http://www.nzwc.ca/Documents/RegulatoryApproachesforPriorityPlasticWastes.pdf


Director of the Plastics and Marine Litter Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada Proposed Integrated Management Approach to Plastic Products to Prevent Waste and Pollution

Page 3 of 3

42621303

Establishing Performance Standards Metro Vancouver encourages the Government of Canada to introduce programs and policies to

reduce plastic waste such as a national standard for recycled content. For recycled content, we

encourage an approach that targets all products of a similar category. This could encourage industry

to switch to plastics that are better suited to include recycled content. In contrast, requiring only

some types of plastic to have recycled material could result in industry switching to unregulated,

harder-to-recycle resins.

Ensuring End-of-Life Responsibility British Columbia is a leader in creating extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs, with

315,000 tonnes of plastics, including plastics from electronics, beverage containers and other

packaging, captured annually in B.C.’s EPR programs. Recently B.C. announced plans to include

additional plastics in industry-funded residential recycling programs including cutlery, sandwich bags,

stir sticks and other items.

We encourage the Government of Canada to work closely with the provinces to expand EPR across

Canada in a way that ensures British Columbians continue to receive the same or better level of

service for existing EPR programs. While harmonization of EPR across Canada has many benefits, we

encourage the Government of Canada to ensure that updates to EPR to encourage harmonization do

not supplant systems in B.C. that already work very well. To achieve this, the Government of Canada

could encourage a minimum level of EPR to achieve Canada-wide plastic goals while allowing

provinces the flexibility to implement programs that provide service above this minimum standard.

Additionally, the Government of Canada could support provinces by requiring corporations to join a

corporate plastic producer registry at a federal level to help provinces identify producers that should

be part of EPR programs.

Thank you for taking the time to consider our input. Leadership from the Government of Canada is

essential for Metro Vancouver to meet its waste reduction and recycling goals. Any questions related

to this feedback may be directed to me by phone at 604-432-6400 or by email at

[email protected].

Sincerely,

Paul Henderson, P.Eng.

General Manager, Solid Waste Services

PH/AM/ks


https://orbit.gvrd.bc.ca/orbitdav/nodes/mailto%3APaul.Henderson%40metrovancouver.org

42047328

Solid Waste Services

Tel. 604 432-6400 Fax 604 451-6180

File: CR-24-03-EPR

November 16, 2020

Kris Ord, Executive Director

Environmental Standards Branch

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

PO Box 9341 Stn Prov Govt

Victoria, BC V8W 9M1

VIA EMAIL: [email protected]

Dear Ms. Ord:

2020 Recycling Regulation Policy Intentions Paper – Metro Vancouver Submission

Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the Recycling Regulation Policy Intentions

Paper (September 12, 2020). This Policy Intentions Paper targets a number of key product categories

for management under extended producer responsibility, or other waste reduction policies, that have

been suggested by Metro Vancouver and member jurisdictions, as well as local governments

throughout the province. Progress towards new or expanded extended producer responsibility

programs for these product categories is a welcome development, and we commend the Ministry of

Environment and Climate Change Strategy staff for their hard work and contributions towards these

additional waste diversion opportunities. Commentary related to specific subject matter topics is

included below.

Mattresses and Foundations

In Metro Vancouver, mattresses have been banned from disposal since 2011. In 2019, over 60,000

mattresses and foundations were collected at Metro Vancouver facilities and transported to mattress

recyclers at a cost of over $2.18 million. Due to the bulky nature and difficulty of transporting

mattresses and foundations, as well as end-of-life recycling fees, mattresses are frequently illegally

dumped, adding costs and taxing resource of local governments. Shifting mattresses and foundations

into an extended producer responsibility program will yield a system which is more equitable,

ensuring producers rather than local governments fund the recycling of these products.

6.4


Kris Ord, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy 2020 Recycling Regulation Policy Intentions Paper – Metro Vancouver Submission

Page 2 of 3

42047328

Moderately Hazardous Products: Schedule 2 – Residuals Product Category

Not all potentially hazardous or moderately hazardous products are included in the Recycling

Regulation. For instance, floor polish, medical sharps and disposable propane cylinders are not

included in the regulation. As a result, there is no simple system for consumers to dispose of these

products in an environmentally sustainable manner, resulting in confusion for consumers, and

increased incidence of these products in the waste stream. A system which includes all products

within a moderately hazardous category would be an improvement for capturing more of these

products, keeping them out of landfill and sewer networks and ensuring safe disposal. In addition,

unregulated products, that may be abandoned by consumers in either the solid or liquid waste

systems, have resulted in safety risks to workers, environmental impacts, and high waste

management costs for local and Indigenous governments, private depot operators, retailers and

other land owners and facility owners.

Electronic and Electrical Products and Batteries: Schedule 3 – Electronic and Electrical Product Category

Increasing the number of electronics and electrical devices in the Recycling Regulation will create a

level playing field among producers, as well as continuing to keep electronic and electrical materials

out of the waste stream.

Packaging and Paper Products Beyond Residential Sources

In exploring a possible expansion of the extended producer responsibility program for packaging and

paper products to the commercial/institutional sector the potential benefits and challenges of such

an expansion should be carefully considered. Certain products such as corrugated cardboard are

managed effectively in most communities without an extended producer responsibility program,

where other products such as disposable coffee cups are commonly disposed of in the commercial

sector while acceptable for recycling in the residential sector.

Lost Fishing Gear

Given the traditional extended producer responsibility approach, which is often funded through

advance disposal fees paid on new products, it is hard to envision an industry-funded extended

producer responsibility program for lost or abandoned fishing gear (e.g. fishing nets). A hybrid

industry-government approach to lost fishing gear may be a more practical and effective approach.

For further discussion, please see “Regulatory Approaches for Priority Plastic Wastes”.


New Product Categories

As part of the submission on the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan Policy Consultation Paper, Metro

Vancouver identified a number of additional products that may be suitably managed under extended

producer responsibility. As part of the Recycling Regulation amendments on June 29, 2020, a number

of these products were addressed, and Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy staff



Kris Ord, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy 2020 Recycling Regulation Policy Intentions Paper – Metro Vancouver Submission

Page 3 of 3

42047328

are congratulated for that achievement. In this consultation, Metro Vancouver staff recommend

consideration of a number of other products not currently included in the Recycling Regulation and

not specified in this Policy Intentions Paper, including: the remaining product categories identified in

the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Canada-Wide Action Plan on Extended

Producer Responsibility, as well as a number of household items such as single use wipes, canning

jars, coat hangers, pots and pans (metal), and toys (plastic).

Moving up the Pollution Prevention Hierarchy

In addition to expanding recycling programs available to consumers, we encourage the Ministry of

Environment and Climate Change Strategy to pursue new programs and policies that help move

producers up the pollution prevention hierarchy towards a circular economy where resources are

never tossed, but are reused, repaired and reintroduced in new products. This could include right-to-

repair incentives and/or regulatory requirements, formalizing practices for extended producer

responsibility programs around reporting on reuse and repair activities; and increased recycled

content in products. These new programs and policies could complement the Recycling Regulation

and move the province towards a circular economy.

Sincerely,

Paul Henderson, P.Eng.

General Manager, Solid Waste Services

PH/ad/jg

cc: Bob McDonald, Director, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Meegan Armstrong, Unit Head, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy

Teresa Conner, Unit Head, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy


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