Status

In 2017, Metro Vancouver consulted on the introduction of a generator levy for garbage from residential and commercial/institutional sources, coupled with a hauler licensing program. These initiatives will help ensure public solid waste facilities and solid waste planning are funded in an equitable manner, while reducing waste and boosting recycling in apartments, condos, and commercial/institutional buildings.

On November 24, 2017, the GVS&DD Board approved changes to the 2018 Tipping Fee Bylaw to implement the Generator Levy effective January 1, 2018. The Board also approved proceeding with Commercial Waste Hauler Licensing. The Commercial Waste Hauler Licensing Bylaw requires approval of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.​

Details are included in the links below, including Board reports, a Consultation Program report, and letter requesting approval from the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy for Commercial Waste Hauler Licensing.

Generator Levy

The Generator Levy became effective January 1, 2018. The Generator Levy ensures that all waste generators in the region contribute to the fixed costs of the region’s network of solid waste facilities and solid waste planning. Click here for details.

View the Bylaw implementing the Generator Levy.

Commercial Waste Hauler Licensing

Metro Vancouver's Board has approved licensing commercial waste haulers to ensure recycling systems are in place wherever garbage is collected in the region, and to support the collection of the Generator Levy. The region's average recycling rate is one of North America's highest at 63%; multi-family residences and commercial/institutional buildings rates lag other sectors at 29% and 42% respectively.

The proposed Commercial Waste Hauler License would apply to commercial haulers who collect over 10 tonnes (about one full garbage truck) of garbage per month using mechanically unloaded trucks – less than 50 companies currently collect this amount. The proposed license fee is $100 per year per hauling company. Those collecting only recyclable material or construction and demolition waste would not require licenses.

On November 24, 2017, the GVS&DD Board approved the Bylaw implementing commercial waste hauler licensing. The bylaw requires approval of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.

Reports and Documents

• Letter to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change Strategy Requesting Approval of GVS&DD Commercial Waste Hauler Licensing Bylaw No. 307, 2017
• Fact Sheet – Solid Waste Regulatory Framework Updates
• Commercial Waste Hauler Licensing and Generator Levy Consultation Program Report
• Download presentation slides from the consultation
• Watch the recording from the consultation webinar
• February 23, 2018 GVS&DD Board report, titled “Generator Levy Proposed Revisions and Regulatory Framework Update” (Agenda Item G2.1, page 80)
• November 24, 2017 GVS&DD Board report, titled “Solid Waste Regulatory Proposals – Consultation Update” (Agenda Item E2.1, page 35)
• November 24, 2017 GVS&DD Board report, titled “GVS&DD Commercial Waste Hauler Licensing Bylaw” (Agenda Item G1.1, page 169)
• November 24, 2017 GVS&DD Board report, titled “GVS&DD Tipping Fee and Solid Waste Disposal Regulation Amending Bylaw No. 308” (Agenda Item G1.3, page 246) (Implements the Generator Levy)
• October 27, 2017 GVS&DD Board report, titled “Generator Levy and Commercial Hauler Licensing Update” (Agenda Item E2.2, page 56)
• July 28, 2017 GVS&DD Board report, titled "Commercial Waste Hauler Licensing" (Agenda Item E 2.2, page 44)
• July 28, 2017 GVS&DD Board report, titled "Mixed Municipal Solid Waste Generator Levy" (Agenda Item E 2.1, page 41)

Contact us at 604-432-6200 or icentre@metrovancouver.org with any questions.