Construction, renovation and demolition activities produce about 20 per cent of all waste disposed annually in the region. The Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan targets the reuse or recycling of an additional 155,000 tonnes per year of building materials, primarily wood, to reach the 2015 diversion goal of 70 per cent.

Feedback Forms & Background Information

Metro Vancouver worked with a group of government and industry stakeholders to develop a regulatory approach to require recycling on construction and demolition sites. Metro Vancouver used this as a starting point for a simpler approach that requires construction and demolition waste containing recyclable materials to go to authorized facilities, where more reuse and recycling can happen through the financial mechanisms proposed in the Solid Waste Regulatory Bylaw revision. Municipalities would enforce the requirements by requiring that building and demolition permit applicants meet the following requirements:

• submit a “Waste Disposal and Recycling Services Plan” and Checklist
• identify hazardous materials present on worksites
• pay a partially refundable Waste Disposal and Recycling Services Fee, based on project type and size
• submit proof that waste and recyclable materials were taken to licensed or authorized facilities in order to claim a refund of the Waste Disposal and Recycling Services Fee
• submit documentation of hazardous materials management upon request.

The simpler “DLC Recycling Model Bylaw” is provided below for review and feedback from interested parties. The earlier version of the draft sample bylaw and information guide for municipalities is provided for background information. A backgrounder document has been prepared and can be viewed via the link provided below. The results of consultation with potentially affected stakeholders are being considered. Metro Vancouver’s Board will review the updated sample bylaw amendment in July 2012.

 DLC Recycling Model Bylaw – Regulatory approach 1
 Guide and Sample Bylaw for DLC Recycling Targets on Worksites – Regulatory approach 2
 Mandatory DLC Recycling Backgrounder

Metro Vancouver’s Integrated Solid Waste and Resource Management Plan calls for Metro Vancouver to work with municipalities and industry groups to develop mandatory recycling requirements for multi family and commercial buildings to increase their waste diversion. One of the largest barriers to increased recycling in these sectors is limited on-site infrastructure. Many buildings lack sufficient space for central storage of recyclables, and have limited access for occupants and collection service vehicles.

Feedback Forms & Background Information

Metro Vancouver has drafted a model regulatory approach for municipalities to mandate requirements for recycling infrastructure in new and renovated multi-family and commercial buildings. These requirements, which would be enforced through development permits, would include:

• Minimum size, location, and design of building recycling storage space
• Collection vehicle access route
• Collection day storage area
• Loading area
• Occupant access
• Suggested minimum standards for in-suite recycling storage space.

The draft sample bylaw amendment and an information guide for developers and builders are provided below for review and feedback from interested parties. A backgrounder document has been prepared and can be viewed via the link provided below. The results of consultation with potentially affected stakeholders are being considered. Metro Vancouver’s Board will review the updated sample bylaw amendment in July 2012. 

 Multi-Family and Commercial Building Recycling Space Sample Bylaw Amendment 

 Multi-Family and Commercial Building Recycling Space Bylaw Guide

 Multi-family and Commercial Recycling Space and Access Backgrounder