Recycle BC Partners 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 8:30 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
Wisdom of the Orcas: What Whales & Biodiversity Can Teach Us About Thriving in a Changing Environment
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 10:15 a.m.
Break
10:15 a.m.
to 11:00 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.
Panelists:
- Tim Des Champ, Superintendent of Waste Management, North Coast Regional District
- Speaker from Environmental Services Group
Moderated by: Thatyana Chay, Director, Post-Collection, Recycle BC.
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
- Session D: Option for free time
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 6:00 p.m.
Interactive Alley
Stroll through the Interactive Alley to see highlights of Recycle BC and partner initiatives, such as our new flexible plastics pink carts.
1:00 p.m.
to 2:00 p.m.
National Projects and Collaborations Panel Discussion
Panelists:
- Baltej Gill, VP, Data Management and Program Delivery, Circular Materials
- Charles David Mathieu-Poulin, Lead, Office of the CEO, Strategic Projects and Governmental Relations
- Maureen Cooper, Manager, Technology and Innovation, Recycle BC and SK Recycles
Moderated by: Lyndsey Chauhan, VP, Program Engagement, Recycle BC and SK Recycles.
Focus on national harmonization, eco design guidelines, labelling and other national projects Recycle BC is involved in.
2:00 p.m.
to 2:30 p.m.
Spotlight on End Markets
A closer look at Recycle BC’s end markets.
2:30 p.m.
to 2:45 p.m.
Break
2:45 p.m.
to 3:00 p.m.
Multi-pro Cost Study Update
Review of the multi-pro cost study process and participation, followed by an opportunity to ask questions.
3:00 p.m.
to 3:30 p.m.
Recycle BC’s New Program Plan
Highlights from Recycle BC’s new Program Plan and what it means for collection.
3:30 p.m.
to 4:30 p.m.
Flexible Plastics Best Practices Panel
Panelists:
- George Jasper, Recycling Manager, Waste Control Services
- Louise Schwarz, Recycling Alternative
- Jeff Rollins, Rollins Machinery
- Carmen Fennell, Manager, Collection, Recycle BC
Moderated by: Tessa Janzen, Western Canada Director, Collection
Sharing learnings of flexible plastics collection, from developing a program, implementing collection and supporting resident participation to recover more material.
4:30 p.m.
to 5:00 p.m.
Blue Star Awards
The Blue Star Awards recognize outstanding partners and service providers whose leadership, innovation and commitment contribute to the success of Recycle BC’s recycling program.
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 9:00 a.m.
Welcome and Presentation by Angela Griffiths, VP, Food Safety and Brand Integrity, A&W
Angela Griffiths, Vice President of Food Safety and Brand Integrity, A&W, Member of the Board of Directors, Chair, Governance Committee for Recycle BC and SK Recycles and Director, for the Circular Materials Board of Directors.
9:00 a.m.
to 9:45 a.m.
Research Spotlight
Alison Schatz, Senior Communications Specialist, Metro Vancouver in conversation with Ravina Sidhu, Manager, Marketing and Communications, Recycle BC
Highlights from consumer research conducted by Recycle BC and Metro Vancouver related to recycling attitudes, beliefs and behaviours.
9:45 a.m.
to 10:15 a.m.
Recycle BC Operations Update
Program highlights, progress and upcoming opportunities.
10:15 a.m.
to 10:30 a.m.
Break
10:30 a.m.
to 11:15 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.
11:15 a.m.
to 12:00 p.m.
First Nations Recycling: Improving through Partnership and Access Panel Discussion
Panelists:
- Marie-Lou Leblanc, Manager of Solid Waste Services, Infrastructure and Environmental Services, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (Community-led Consolidation Agreement)
- Jodie Frank, Solid Waste Project Coordinator, Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (Partner-led Service Expansion)
- Shawn Quick, Public Works Manager, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation
- Juanita Adrian, Assistant Maintenance Supervisor, Tsal’alh First Nation
Moderated by: April Shaw, Manager, Indigenous Relations, Recycle BC
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 12:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
- Honorable Minister Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks
- Sam Baker, Executive Director, Recycle BC
12:30 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.
The booking deadline has now passed. Guests may still contact the hotel directly at 604-520-1776 or 1-800-663-2001 to inquire about current rates and availability.
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.
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.
The five award categories include:
- 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 are now closed. Awards will be presented at the conference on Thursday, April 16.
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.