Recycle BC's Partner Conference
April 16 and 17, 2026
We’re excited to welcome you to the Recycle BC Partners Conference, taking place April 16 and 17, 2026, at the Anvil Centre in New Westminster, BC.
Join us for two days of education, information sharing, and networking as we connect with partners from across the province and explore new and upcoming initiatives within Recycle BC’s packaging and paper program, extended producer responsibility (EPR) and the broader recycling industry. The conference will feature presentations, discussions, and opportunities to share insights, ask questions, and strengthen collaboration across our partner network.
This is an invitation-only event. If you would like more information please contact [email protected].
Event Details
April 16 and 17, 2026 @ Anvil Centre, New Westminster BC
This conference is open to our collectors and partners. There is no registration fee to attend this conference.
Schedule subject to change
Day 1 – Thursday April 16, 2026
7:30 a.m.
to 9:00 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast
8:30 a.m.
to 9:30 a.m.
Opening Welcome and Keynote Address
Executive Director’s welcome to the Partners Conference.
Keynote Address by Nikki Sanchez
9:30 a.m.
to 10:00 a.m.
Recycle BC’s New Post-collection Network
An overview of Recycle BC’s new post-collection network and key items related to the upcoming network transition. The session will share the network design, review what to expect during the transition period, introduce the new post-collection team, outline resources available to Collectors and will provide an opportunity to ask questions.
10:00 a.m.
to 10:45 a.m.
Post-collection Panel Discussion
A panel discussion with select post-collection partners who will share some of the features, technology, capacity and capability of their facilities, including large and mid-size RFs/MRFs
10:00 a.m.
to 6:00 p.m.
Interactive Alley
Stroll through the Interactive Alley too see highlights of Recycle BC and partner initiatives, such as our new flexible plastics pink carts.
10:45 a.m.
to 11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00 a.m.
to 12:00 p.m.
Post-collection Breakout Sessions
- Session A: New interface and technology for Haulers
- Session B: New interface and technology for Receiving Facilities
- Session C: New network and interface for Collectors
12:00 p.m.
to 1:00 p.m.
Lunch
1:00 p.m.
to 6:00 p.m.
Data Cafe
The Data Café is an opportunity for collectors to meet one-on-one with our Collection Specialists to go over key metrics specific to their program.
1:00 p.m.
to 2:00 p.m.
Research Spotlight
Highlights from consumer research conducted by Recycle BC and Metro Vancouver related to recycling attitudes, beliefs and behaviours.
2:00 p.m.
to 2:30 p.m.
Recycle BC’s New Program Plan
Highlights from Recycle BC’s new Program Plan and what it means for collection
2:30 p.m.
to 2:45 p.m.
Break
3:45 p.m.
to 4:00 p.m.
Flexible Plastics Best Practices Panel
Panelists: Waste Control Services, Recycling Alternative, Recycle BC and more
Sharing learnings of flexible plastics collection, from developing a program, implementing collection and supporting resident participation to recover more material.
4:00 p.m.
to 4:30 p.m.
Supporting Stronger, Sustainable Recycling Solutions in First Nation Communities
An overview of Recycle BC’s new First Nation Collection Partner Agreements and onboarding framework. This session will highlight how Recycle BC continues to evolve in our understanding by listening, learning and growing alongside First Nation communities and valued partners.
4:30 p.m.
to 5:00 p.m.
Blue Star Awards
5:00 p.m.
to 6:30 p.m.
Reception
Day 2 — Friday, April 17, 2026
7:30 a.m.
to 8:30 a.m.
Breakfast & Registration
8:30 a.m.
to 1:30 p.m.
Data Café, Interactive Alley
8:30 a.m.
to 9:30 a.m.
Presentation by Guest Speaker
9:30 a.m.
to 10:30 a.m.
Recycle BC Operations Update
Program highlights, progress and upcoming opportunities.
10:30 a.m.
to 10:45 a.m.
Break
10:45 a.m.
to 11:15 a.m.
Spotlight on End Markets
11:15 a.m.
to 12:00 p.m.
First Nations Recycling: Improving through Partnership and Access Panel Discussion
A panel discussion with select First Nation and community partners who will share the benefits of coordinated partnerships and improvements in recycling accessibility.
12:00 p.m.
to 12:15 p.m.
Multi-pro Cost Study Update
Review of the multi-pro cost study process and participation, followed by an opportunity to ask questions.
12:15 p.m.
to 12:45 p.m.
Closing Remarks
12:45 p.m.
to 1:30 p.m.
Bagged Lunch to Go
1:30 p.m.
Conference Concludes
Conference Accommodation
The Inn at the Quay is our hotel partner for the conference, located just steps from the Anvil Centre.
To make your stay more convenient, a special conference rate of $209 plus tax per night is available. To book at this rate, please call 604-520-1776 or 1-800-663-2001 before March 13, 2026.
Blue Star Awards
Call for Nominations
The success of Recycle BC relies on the collaboration, dedication, and leadership of our partners and service providers. The Recycle BC Partners Conference 2026 marks the fourth presentation of the Blue Star Awards, which recognizes outstanding contributions to our collective success.
We invite Recycle BC partners to submit nominations celebrating individuals, organizations, or communities that demonstrate trust, knowledge, exceptional service, integrity and innovation within our packaging and paper recycling program.
There are five award categories available for nomination.
- Trust Award: The Trust Award honours a dependable partner who consistently excels in the promotion and education of recycling, helping build confidence, awareness, and participation across communities.
- Knowledge Award: The Knowledge Award recognizes a partner who demonstrates exceptional expertise in material recovery, innovation, and environmental sustainability, contributing valuable insights to the recycling system.
- Service Award: The Service Award is presented to a partner renowned for delivering exceptional service, reliability, and responsiveness in support of Recycle BC’s program and partners.
- Integrity Award: The Integrity Award honours a partner who demonstrates unwavering respect, accountability, and responsibility toward their community, collaborators, and the recycling system as a whole.
- Innovation Award: The Innovation Award recognizes a partner who demonstrates forward-thinking solutions, creativity, and innovation that enhance recycling outcomes, improve system efficiency, or support the evolution of Recycle BC’s packaging and paper program.
Nominations close at midnight on February 28, 2026.
Data Café Sign-Up
One-on-one meetings with Recycle BC Collection Specialists
The Data Café offers collectors the opportunity to meet individually with Recycle BC Collection Specialists to review key performance metrics specific to their program.
Appointments are available in 15-minute time slots on:
- Thursday, April 16 (1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.)
- Friday, April 17 (8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.)
Timeslots are limited and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.