We begin by listening to the people, and to the stories that guide how we live in balance with this land.
As we walk with communities, and community partners, we come to understand the stories, strengths, and challenges of each place, allowing recycling to take root in ways that honour the land and those who have cared for it since the beginning of time.
Together with local governments and community partners, we continue to increase access to recycling in ways that respect the land and the people it sustains. These efforts are rooted in relationships, respect, and shared responsibility.
- We will work in partnership with First Nation communities for long-term sustainability
- We provide assurance that collected materials are responsibly recycled
- We cover post-collection costs
- We provide financial incentives to support community-led recycling programs
- We work to minimize our GHG’s by keeping 80% of end market material in North America
Program Partnerships and Service Options
Our programs continue to grow from this understanding, shaped by the knowledge and priorities of each community. We are creating pathways for continued success and increased access to our recycling programs through community-led programs, and partner-led collection services and events.
The following outlines the pathways in which a community can receive recycling services as part of the Recycle BC household packaging and paper recycling program, built in collaboration with communities, local governments and community partners. Not all options are suitable for all communities – the Recycle BC team works with communities to identify the best pathway for engagement.
1. Community-Led Recycling Programs – First Nation Collection Partners
The First Nation Collection Partner agreement has been designed for First Nation partners operating either a curbside household collection program (inclusive of the Mobile Eco-depot model) or a community operated depot collecting household packaging and paper recycling for drop-off.
| Community Lead Programs | Agreement | Supplies* Provided By | Hauling Of Material To Receiving Facility Or Transfer Station | Incentive Funding Provided By Recycle BC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curbside | Between First Nation and Recycle BC | First Nation | First Nation | Community Paid Per Household |
| Depot | Between First Nation and Recycle BC | Recycle BC | Recycle BC | Community Paid By Tonnage |
*Supplies include – supersacks, liner bags, pallets, collection bins and bags
Sample Collection Agreements
The following are sample agreements that are customized for First Nation Collection Partners under the Recycle BC program; these are provided for information only:
Sample First Nation Curbside Collection Partner Agreement
Sample First Nation Depot Collection Partner Agreement
2. Partner-Led Service Expansion
Our Partner-led Service Expansion may be an option for household recycling to be collected through an existing local government curbside collection service
agreement, or in regions where Recycle BC provides collection services directly if a First Nation community is nearby to an existing service area. These opportunities require coordination by Recycle BC and agreement with existing collection partners.
3. First Nation Recycling Initiative (FNRI)
In partnership with the First Nation Recycling Initiative (FNRI), Recycle BC supports community collection events for First Nations that are not yet part of our
program. These events help address stockpiled materials and create pathways for improved recycling access in remote communities — supporting local stewardship and care for First Nation communities. More information can be found here.
Start a Community Recycling Journey
Supporting Stronger, Sustainable Recycling Solutions in First Nation Communities
There are a few ways in which First Nation communities can initiate engagement with Recycle BC for recycle programs and services:
- Contact our Indigenous Relations Representative directly; or
- Work with other external community partners focused on funding, readiness support and infrastructure development which identify
communities that meet program eligibility.
Program Onboarding Considerations
Readiness: To ensure program and operational success, a review of the desired program requirements and overall readiness is needed prior to program approval. Examples include:
- Infrastructure requirements
- Supplies
- Community education
- Existing community recycling program
Onboarding period
Recycle BC requires 90-day (minimum) onboarding period between the agreements eective date and commencement date before we can start receiving material. The signing of the agreement puts the agreement into effect (the effective date). The commencement date is the date material acceptance and payment models (as applicable) commence.
Community-led Partner Program
The commencement date is dependant on receipt of the signed agreement and will need to allow for the 90-day onboarding period once agreement is signed. The onboarding period is needed to setup payment, reporting, post-collection partner coordination and other agreements (if needed) to support the program.
Partner-led Service Expansion
The time needed to operationally facilitate this service with local governments and other partners varies. We will work to coordinate with other partners as needed and develop a plan and service commencement date with the community.
Other Resources
Contact
Shannon Porter
Indigenous Relations Representative
778-694-1870
[email protected]