Each year, Lower Mainland residents and businesses generate millions of tonnes of garbage (also know as solid waste) and recyclables. We all have a role to play in reducing the volume.
Regional Solid Waste and Recycling
Use the links to your left to find details about managing and reducing waste.
Planning provides information on Metro Vancouver’s current solid waste planning process; making long-term decisions about how we can best manage our garbage as a region.
Recycling gives you links to municipal and regional recycling programs and depots to help you recycle more, more often. Disposal shows you what can and can not go in the garbage, and where to find disposal facilities. Composting and yard trimmings has how-to guides and resources to keep compostable waste out of the landfill. Hazardous products are those that can harm the environment, workers and you. Find ways to reduce or safely dispose of hazardous materials.
Have a business? -More than 30% of the region’s waste is from businesses. These searchable online resources will help you reduce waste, and locate recycled content materials.
BuildSmart
SmartSteps
Zero Waste Challenge
There are large economic ($100 million in 2007) and environmental costs to managing waste. That’s why Metro Vancouver is working with governments, residents and businesses on the Zero Waste Challenge to reduce the volume of waste we produce.