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Green Vancouver
It’s time to shift our thinking about waste. We all have a role to play in reducing our waste and consumption. Let’s get to zero waste together.
Waste can seem like an inevitable result of our grab-and-go lives. But it doesn’t have to be.
A zero waste future that prioritizes reducing and reusing is not only possible, it’s a critical part of solving today’s climate crisis, preserving resources, and eliminating waste.
Zero waste strategies
In 2011, we created an ambitious plan to become the greenest city in the world by 2020. Our Greenest City Action Plan includes a key goal and target: create zero waste by reducing solid waste going to landfill and incincerator by 50% from 2008 levels.
In support of our zero waste goal, we’re exploring short- to long-term actions that will help us reduce and ultimately eliminate waste sent to landfill or incinerator, including:
- The Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy to reduce waste from disposable cups, plastic and paper shopping bags, foam food packaging, and take-out containers
- Zero Waste 2040, a long-term framework to guide the actions and investments that are needed for us to achieve zero waste
Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy
We're exploring how to reduce waste from disposable cups, shopping bags, & take-out containers. View the draft strategy.
Zero Waste 2040
We aim to be a zero waste city by 2040 to conserve scarce resources, limit climate change, and create social and economic opportunities.
Subscribe to updates, join us at a free reuse and recycle drop-off event, and share your ideas to reduce waste and consumption.
News about zero waste
City proposing bold actions to reduce single-use items including ban on foam cups and containers
March 29 2018 - Over the last year, the City has worked with residents and businesses to create a made-in-Vancouver strategy for reducing the use of single–use items.
Public invited to provide input on Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy at pop-up events
November 25 2017 - The City is inviting members of the public to provide feedback on options for the reduction of waste from single-use items at a series of pop-up events.
Businesses, industry invited to provide input on Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy
September 12 2017 - The City of Vancouver is inviting businesses and industry representatives to provide feedback as we develop a Single-Use Item Reduction Strategy.
Adventuring in Vancouver this summer? Use the “Pack it in, Pack it out” method for a chance to win prizes!
July 29 2017 - With hot and sunny weather continuing and some of summer’s biggest events on the horizon, the City of Vancouver is encouraging residents to show their love for their city by not letting containers, cups, and food wrapping become litter.
Honda Celebration of Light kicks off Saturday
July 28 2017 - Get details on road closures, safety tips, and more during the Honda Celebration of Lights taking place Saturday July 29, Wednesday August 2, and Saturday August 5.
